Positives from Indian Women's football team's performance at the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers

India have qualified for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup after 22 years.

The AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers campaign for the Indian women’s football team was filled with conviction, character, and clinical execution. The Blue Tigresses often face limited exposure and underwhelming support, but they have now stepped onto the Asian stage with not just dominant wins on paper but a statement of their potential on the field.

Team India was a part of Group B alongside hosts Thailand, Iraq, Mongolia, and Timor-Leste. India had the odds placed against them in a familiar pattern. Yet, the Team responded in the best way possible with dominant wins, intelligent gameplay, and a growth in areas of attack that were previously holding them back.

One of the reasons behind India’s success in the qualifiers is the guidance and tactical direction provided by Head Coach Crispin Chettri and his coaching staff. He brought stability and discipline to the team, helping them secure every victory in a dominating way.

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Also Read: Explained: Why India’s entry into the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 is a major breakthrough?

The Blue Tigresses had a great campaign due to intense preparation, the most important was the 53-day training camp that helped the team bring cohesion and adjust their strategies.

Playing against the stronger sides like Russia, Korea Republic in the Pink Ladies Cup, and Uzbekistan twice during the camp gave India valuable experience and exposed the team to different tactical teams.

These tough outings helped prepare the team well for the challenges of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers. As they rightfully bask in the glory of their historic feat that they ‘earned’, let us take a look at the positives from the campaign

Positives from India’s historic campaign at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers

Squad rotation

Perhaps the best element of India’s campaign was how Head Coach Crispin Chettri and the staff rotated the squad so well over four matches in almost a month. 22 players were given crucial game time at a continental stage.

Tournaments always offer the challenge of maintaining player fitness without compromising performance, and Crispin Chettri and his staff have executed this in a perfect manner.

Players came in and out of the starting eleven several times throughout the qualifiers, with almost every change having a meaningful impact on the game. By the match against Iraq, every player in the Indian squad had been given game time.

From attack-minded players like Manisha Kalyan and Pyari Xaxa to midfielders like Malavika and Anju Tamang, India’s bench strength certainly had its impact during crucial moments.

Even some younger or less-experienced players received valuable playing time, which is an important step for further development in the long term. The rotations weren’t random; they were the proof of strategies based on analysis of the opponents and the context.

The squad depth helped India to maintain consistency and intensity while avoiding exhaustion and injuries, and also showed that the players had the potential to rise into more responsible roles when necessary.

Intent and ability to score

The attack arrived at exactly the time that the fans expected. It had started with a dominating 13-0 win against Mongolia. Although the team was around 56 spots below Indian in the FIFA rankings, the attacking flair was not just a one-off performance. The team was holding up the play, winning possession, passing it perfectly and scoring the goals.

The Indian attack was strong and calm, and was led by Sangita Basfore from the front. Sangita also scored four crucial goals, including two goals in the crucial match against Thailand.

Supporting the midfield with similar quality were Anju Tamang and Priyadarshini Selladurai. Manisha Kalyan continued her fine run of form with another brace against Timor-Leste, while Pyari Xaxa and the others kept finding the net frequently.

This newfound attacking mindset in the final third provided a massive boost for India to improve its goal difference and to boost their morale.

Also Read: India vs Thailand: Sangita’s screamer, Blue Tigresses qualify for Asian Cup after 22 years & other talking points

Improved Defence

The most noticeable difference in the qualifiers was India’s improved defence. In the past, the team would often crumble under pressure or in transition.

The current backline, however, was strong. Clean sheets against Mongolia, Timor-Leste and Iraq were not just a fluke; they were the result of defensive planning and discipline.

The communication between the centre-backs and the goalkeeper was better, while the full-backs upheld their role in stopping the attack and doing their defensive duties well.

Even against Thailand, a very strong attacking side, India stayed well-shaped, remained calm during vulnerable moments, and denied chances in crucial moments.

While Panthoi Chanu was hardly tested in the previous matches, when called to action against Thailand, she stepped up and did well, despite conceding a goal.

It also seemed like the set-piece defence was much sharper because of constant groundwork and match preparation. Moreover, pressing and tracking back by the midfielders added an extra layer of protection, with players regularly winning the second ball. The overall defensive shape seemed more strong, with the unit playing as a whole.

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