China’s U17 women’s football team has stormed through the group stage of the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup with an impeccable record, winning all three matches without conceding a single goal. The team scored a total of 15 goals, showcasing dominant performances against Myanmar (6-0), Vietnam (3-0), and Thailand (6-0).
In their final group match against Thailand on May 7, the Chinese side delivered another emphatic victory. Yang Lan opened the scoring with a free kick in the 5th minute, followed by a brace from Li Qixian (20th and 54th minutes). Cheng Wandi added a header in the 23rd minute, and Huang Qinyi scored twice in quick succession (57th and 59th minutes). This performance secured their place at the top of Group A.
Now, the Chinese team faces a crucial knockout match against India on May 11 at 19:30 at the Suzhou Sports Center. The winner will earn a direct ticket to the U17 Women’s World Cup. India’s group stage journey was less impressive, with one win and two losses (4 goals scored, 5 conceded). They narrowly advanced as the best third-placed team after losing to Australia (0-2) and Japan (0-3), but defeating Lebanon (4-0) for their first-ever quarterfinal appearance.
China’s formidable defense and fluid attack, combined with their perfect record, give them a clear edge over India. The young Chinese squad, inspired by the spirit of the older generation and modern tactical discipline, is poised to secure the World Cup spot on home soil. This match represents not only a ticket to the global stage but also a testament to the rising strength of China’s next-generation women’s football.