NEW DELHI: The Indian football team scripted a memorable comeback to beat Uzbekistan 2-1 and seal a historic maiden qualification for the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup on Friday.

India fought back brilliantly after head coach Joakim Alexandersson made an inspired first-half substitution, bringing on Thandamoni Baskey for Bonifilia Shullai in the 40th minute.

The change proved decisive as Thandamoni equalised in the 55th minute and later assisted Anushka Kumari’s winner in the 66th, overturning Uzbekistan’s first-half lead. Shakhzoda Alikhonova had earlier put the visitors ahead in the 38th minute.

With this victory, India topped Group G with six points to qualify for the AFC tournament in China next year — their first-ever appearance at this level. The Young Tigresses had last featured in the continental competition back in 2005, when 11 teams entered directly.

Though a draw would have been enough for qualification, Uzbekistan began the game on the front foot, exploiting the left flank and keeping India’s defence under pressure.

India looked to counter through quick breaks, with Anushka Kumari attempting a volley from distance that was comfortably collected by Uzbekistan goalkeeper Mariya Khalkulova.

Despite creating opportunities, India fell behind when Alikhonova’s powerful strike from outside the box hit the underside of the crossbar and went in.

Coach Alexandersson had already shown tactical flexibility, replacing Valaina Fernandes with Taniya Devi Tonambam in the 21st minute, before making the decisive call to introduce Thandamoni late in the first half.

After the break, India took time to settle but gradually grew into the contest. A moment of quick thinking from Thandamoni changed the momentum — she pounced on an aerial ball, beat defender Mariya Dakhova, and calmly slotted home at the near post to bring India level.

From there, confidence flowed through the side as the Young Tigresses completed a stirring comeback to book their place in next year’s AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup.

(With PTI Inputs)