India U17 women's team face Lebanon in do or die match in AFC U-17 Women's Asian Cup 2026

India are winless in the AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 so far

India are all set to take on Lebanon in the last group stage match of AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 in a do or die match. The Indian team are still winless in the tournament after losing the first two matches to Australia and Japan. Although India maintained their GD in the clash against Japan and did not concede huge number of goals things are not that simple for them.

In the last matchday the Lebanon side managed to get a 1-1 draw against the young Matildas, which puts them on third position with 1 point in hand. So, this is a direct do or die match for India, only a win against Lebanon could keep the hopes alive and that too with a good GD.

As we enter this highly anticipating clash between India and Lebanon, let us take a look at what is on the line and what can we expect from this match.

The Stakes

India

India currently find themselves at the bottom of the points table without a single point from their opening two matches. Despite that, the Young Tigresses still remain within touching distance of Lebanon, with just one point separating the two sides and a slightly better goal difference keeping their hopes alive heading into the final group-stage encounter.

With qualification scenarios hanging by a thread, the clash against Lebanon has now turned into a virtual knockout match for both teams.

The stakes could not be higher for the Indian side, as only a victory and preferably by a big margin would give them a realistic chance of keeping their dreams alive of progressing further in the AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup 2026.

Lebanon

For Lebanon, the stakes are arguably even higher. Sitting third in the standings ahead of India, they still hold a realistic opportunity of progressing to the next stage of the tournament.

A victory especially by a commanding margin could significantly boost their qualification hopes, and they will undoubtedly view the clash against India as their best chance to make that happen.

With everything still to play for, Lebanon will enter the contest determined to seize the moment and keep their dream alive.

Team News

Both teams are expected to have a fully fit squad available for the clash and are likely to field their strongest possible lineups for this important opening encounter.

Head-to-Head

India U-17 Women and Lebanon U-17 Women have never faced each other before at this level of youth football.

The upcoming AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 encounter will mark the first-ever meeting between the two sides in youth women’s football.

Predicted Lineups

India (4-2-3-1)

Munni (GK), Elizabed Lakra, Divyani, Julan Nongmaithem, Ritu, Abhista Basnett, Thandamoni Baskey, Alva Devi, Redima, Pritika, Pearl Fernandes

Lebanon (5-3-2)

Chebly (GK), Nassar, C. Chebly, Frangieh, Assaf, M. Chebly, Malhab, Douaihy, Zihenni, Geitani, Issa

Players to Watchout

Pearl Fernandes (India)

Pearl Fernandes is yet to truly make her mark in the tournament, having missed out on the starting lineup against Australia before making only a limited impact against Japan.

However, the young striker remains one of India’s most dangerous attacking players and could be crucial in this must-win clash against Lebanon.

India desperately need goals to keep their qualification hopes alive, and Pearl’s goalscoring form earlier this year at the SAFF U-19 Women’s Championship shows why she could be the player to deliver in the decisive moment for Pamela Conti’s side.

Sara Issa (Lebanon)

Just like India, Lebanon will also rely heavily on their number 9, Sara Issa, in this crucial encounter. The forward has been a regular starter for Lebanon in the tournament and could play a decisive role as her side push for a result that could keep their qualification hopes alive.

Sara impressed with a strong performance against Australia, where she constantly looked threatening in attack and caused problems with her movement and presence in the final third. With Lebanon aiming to capitalize in this must-win opportunity, Issa could once again be the key player leading their charge going forward.

Telecast Details

The AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 clash between India and Lebanon is scheduled to take place on 8th May at the Suzhou Taihu Football Sports Centre, pitch 8 in China. The match will kick off at 1:00 PM IST.

Fans can catch the live streaming of the encounter on the official AFC Asian Cup YouTube Channel in India.

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