Football
AFC Women's Asian Cup qualifiers: Rampant India crush Mongolia 13-0- Highlights
Pyari Xaxa scored five goals as the Blue Tigresses delivered a dominant all-round performance to start their campaign in style.
India couldn’t have asked for a better start to their AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers campaign, producing a record-shattering 13-0 win over Mongolia at the 700th Anniversary Stadium in Chiang Mai.
Pyari Xaxa was the undisputed star of the evening, netting five goals and delivering multiple assists in a performance full of flair and composure. Soumya Guguloth added two goals and several key contributions, while Priyadharshini Selladurai scored a brace of her own with two clinical finishes from outside the box. There were also goals for Sangita Basfore, Rimpa Haldar, Malavika, and Grace Dangmei, whose composed penalty completed the rout.
From the opening whistle, India dominated proceedings — sharp in the press, fluid in midfield, and ruthless in front of goal. The Blue Tigresses gave Mongolia no room to breathe, barely letting them into India's half and making a strong statement of intent in Group B.
Next up, Timor Leste on June 29 — and the Tigresses will go in brimming with confidence.
As it happened:
Live Updates
- 23 Jun 2025 2:36 PM IST
3' Bright Start from the Blue Tigresses!
India have hit the ground running, immediately pressing high and showing intent through their dynamic front three. Soumya Guguloth and Rimpa Haldar have already tested the Mongolian backline with quick movement.
The first real opening fell to India number 10, Pyari Xaxa, who found space just outside the box after a neat layoff. She took the shot early, but it lacked the venom needed — straight into the gloves of Zambaga Tumurbat, the Mongolian goalkeeper. Positive signs early on from the Blue Tigresses.
- 23 Jun 2025 2:33 PM IST
Kick-off in Chiang Mai!
And we’re underway! Mongolia get us started with the first touch of the ball as the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers begin.
India, dressed in their vibrant orange jerseys, are playing from right to left, while Mongolia, in blue, attack from left to right.
- 23 Jun 2025 2:32 PM IST
Tactical Shapes!
The formations are locked in as the teams prepare for battle under the Chiang Mai sky. Mongolia have lined up in a 4-5-1, aiming for midfield control and defensive solidity, with Odon-Erdene expected to lead the line up front.
India, meanwhile, are going all-in with an attacking 4-3-3, featuring a lively front three of Pyari Xaxa, Rimpa Haldar, and Soumya Guguloth.
- 23 Jun 2025 2:26 PM IST
Moments Away from Kick-off!
It’s about time — the two teams are walking out onto the pitch at the 700th Anniversary Stadium, led by their captains, Sweety Devi Nganbam for India and Tsasan-Okhin Orogdol for Mongolia
- 23 Jun 2025 1:54 PM IST
Countdown Begins in Chiang Mai!
With just 30 minutes to kick off, the 700th Anniversary Stadium in Chiang Mai is buzzing with anticipation. The turf looks immaculate, the atmosphere is calm but charged, and both squads know what's at stake — the first step toward AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 qualification. For India, history beckons; for Mongolia, it’s a chance to announce itself on Asia’s grand stage.
- 23 Jun 2025 1:47 PM IST
Mongolia XI!
Starting XI:
Zambaga Tumurbat, Munkhzul Enkhbayar, Ulziibayar Badamkhatan, Yuka Tamir, Tsasan-Okhin Orogdol (C), Chinbaatar Solongo, Odon-Erdene, Namuunaa Narmandakh, Gankhuyag Otgonjargal, Zolzaya Sarangerel, Amanda Khishigtsengel
Substitutes:
Munkhjin Batjargal, Altjin Ulziibat, Zolzaya Khatanbaatar, Myagmarsuren Battsoodol, Baigalmaa Enkhbat, Ariunzaya, Goomaral Ganchimeg, Chinzul Altankhuyag, Munkhzul Bayanmunkh, Munkhzul Ariunbold, Michidmaa Munkhbold
- 23 Jun 2025 1:43 PM IST
Welcome to the LIVE blog!
The stage is set, the Blue Tigresses are ready, and history beckons. As India kicks off their AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers campaign against Mongolia, we’re here to bring you every moment, every pass, and every roar from the pitch.
This mission is to return to Asia’s biggest stage and take that long-awaited step forward in women’s football. Let’s go, India!
