India's AFC Women's Asian Cup Exit: A Chastening Experience and Lessons Learned
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India's dream of advancing to the quarterfinals of the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup came to an end, but the team showed bravery and fitness despite struggling in all areas of the pitch.
Goalkeeper Panthoi Chanu Elangbam and captain Sweety Devi led from the back, with Elangbam commanding her area and winning crucial one-on-one duels. Manisha Kalyan used her strength and size well, scoring a goal that will be remembered long after the tournament.
However, India's struggles in creating from open play and losing possession easily were evident. The team tried being compact in the middle but was unable to break the lines of their opponents.
The performance of the national team is a function of the standard of its top league, and the All India Football Federation (AIFF) will need to work on bridging the gap by funding exposure trips and playing against international teams in preparation.
A rebuilding is not needed, but building on this experience certainly is. India should make qualification the minimum requirement and work on trying to bridge the gap with Thailand, Chinese Taipei, and Vietnam.
