India U17 women’s national team defeated hosts Kyrgyz Republic by a solitary goal in their opening match of the AFC U17 Women Asian Cup Qualifiers Indonesia 2024 on Wednesday.

Sibani Devi scored the all-important goal in the 77th minute. It was a low cross from the left by Viksit Bara that slipped under the hands of Kyrgyz goalkeeper Violetta Dudochkina before Sibani Devi raced at the far post and slammed it in.

With Myanmar and India both winning 1-0 each against the Kyrgyz Republic, the next match between India and Myanmar on April 28 will determine the group winners. While the winners of the tie will automatically make the grade, and if the two sides play out a draw, a penalty shoot-out will determine who tops the group and qualifies for the next round.

The first half began with both teams fighting it out in the middle to take control of the situation. India had their first chance when Pooja’s cross from the right landed up with Shivani Toppo, who failed to make the most of it. A few minutes later, a similar opportunity was missed by Pooja, whose shot was easily collected by the rival goalkeeper.

With 10 minutes to go, coach Priya PV made some changes, as Sulanjana came in place of Shivani Toppo and Cindy replaced Soniba. The move paid dividends as India were able to defend the lead successfully for the rest of the period.