Pyari Xaxa’s Five-Goal Masterclass Powers Blue Tigresses to Historic 13-0 Rout of Mongolia in AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifier

Chiang Mai, Thailand – June 23, 2025: The Indian women’s football team, fondly known as the Blue Tigresses, etched their names into the annals of Indian football history with a stunning 13-0 victory against Mongolia in their opening match of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers at the 700th Anniversary of Chiang Mai Stadium. This emphatic win, powered by a five-goal masterclass from Pyari Xaxa, marked India’s biggest-ever victory in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, surpassing their previous record of 10-0 wins against Guam in 1997 and 2005.

Under the guidance of head coach Crispin Chettri, the Blue Tigresses delivered a clinical and relentless performance, showcasing their attacking prowess and defensive solidity. The match, which kicked off at 2:30 PM IST, saw India dominate from the outset, barely allowing Mongolia to venture into their half. This victory sets a commanding tone for India’s campaign in Group B, where they aim to secure a spot in the 12-team AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026, a crucial step toward qualifying for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027.

A Goal-Fest Led by Pyari Xaxa

The Blue Tigresses wasted no time asserting their dominance. Midfielder Sangita Basfore opened the scoring in the 8th minute with a header off a precise cross from Soumya Guguloth. Soumya herself doubled the lead in the 20th minute, volleying a Rimpa Haldar cross into the net. Pyari Xaxa then took center stage, scoring her first goal in the 29th minute and adding another just before halftime to make it 4-0.

The second half saw India unleash an even more ferocious attack. Pyari Xaxa completed her hat-trick just a minute after the restart with a volley from a Grace Dangmei cross and added two more goals by the 55th minute, taking her tally to an astonishing five. Her clinical finishing and playmaking, including multiple assists, earned her widespread praise as the standout performer of the match.

Soumya Guguloth and Priyadharshini Selladurai each contributed a brace, with Soumya scoring in the 59th minute and Priyadharshini finding the net in the 73rd and 86th minutes. Rimpa Haldar (67th minute), Malavika P (71st minute), and Grace Dangmei (75th minute, penalty) also got on the scoresheet, with Malavika’s goal marking her first senior international strike, a proud moment for the Kasaragod native from Kerala. The flurry of goals saw India breach double digits, with Priyadharshini’s second goal sealing the historic 13-0 scoreline.

Strategic Preparation Pays Off

India’s dominant display was the culmination of meticulous preparation. The team, with an average age of just 23.6 years, underwent a six-week training camp at the Padukone-Dravid Centre for Sports Excellence in Bengaluru, where they focused on physical conditioning, tactical patterns, and set pieces. Despite narrow 0-1 losses in two friendly matches against Uzbekistan in May, coach Crispin Chettri expressed satisfaction with the team’s readiness, noting their ability to create chances and adapt to the humid conditions of Chiang Mai.

“We’re done working on the physical aspects now. We’re focusing on patterns and set pieces every day, whether it’s defending or attacking,” Chettri had said before the match. His strategy of rotating players to manage the demanding schedule of four matches in 13 days proved effective, with the squad’s depth and versatility shining through.

A Statement of Intent

Ranked 70th in the FIFA women’s rankings, India faced a Mongolia side ranked 126th, who have struggled in competitive fixtures since their first official match in 2018. The Blue Tigresses capitalized on Mongolia’s defensive lapses and poor goalkeeping, delivering a performance that sent a strong message to their Group B rivals: Timor Leste (ranked 158th), Iraq (ranked 173rd), and hosts Thailand (ranked 46th). Only the group winners will advance to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, making this victory a crucial step in India’s quest to return to the continental stage for the first time since hosting the tournament in 2022.

The Department of Sports, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS), and the Sports Authority of India (SAI) lauded the team’s performance, with officials highlighting the government’s continued support for women’s football development. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) also celebrated the historic win, noting on X that the Blue Tigresses had surpassed their previous record with flair and determination.

Looking Ahead

The Blue Tigresses’ next challenge comes against Timor Leste on June 29, followed by matches against Iraq on July 2 and Thailand on July 5, all at the 700th Anniversary of Chiang Mai Stadium. With confidence soaring after this record-breaking performance, India will aim to maintain their momentum and secure the top spot in Group B. Fans can watch the matches live on the Changsuek YouTube channel and the Thai Women’s Football Facebook page.

This historic 13-0 victory not only underscores the growing strength of Indian women’s football but also signals the Blue Tigresses’ ambition to make their mark on the Asian and global stage. As coach Chettri and his young squad continue their journey, the nation rallies behind them, hopeful for a triumphant road to Australia 2026.