Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan), Oct 13 (PTI) Captain Julan Nongmaithem turned star in stoppage time as the Indian U17 team began its AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers campaign with a thrilling 2-1 win over hosts Kyrgyz Republic here on Monday.

The Young Tigresses, despite being frustrated for the majority of the game, bagged all three points at the death. India are targeting a place in their first AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup since 2005.

After setting up Pearl Fernandes for India's first goal in the 27th minute, Julan struck a dramatic late winner in injury time to help secure all three points for India. The score was 1-1 at half-time after Kyrgyz Republic's Akmaral Saiakbaeva equalised in the 33rd minute.

India now sit atop Group G, with only one team from the group progressing to the 12-te

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