Vietnam Edges India 2-1 in AFC Women's Asian Cup Opener
Match Overview
In a thrilling encounter at the Perth Rectangular Stadium, India faced a 1-2 defeat against Vietnam during their opening match in Group C of the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026 on Wednesday. Nguyen Thi Van Su was the standout performer for Vietnam, scoring both goals at the 30th and 90+4 minutes, while India's only goal came from debutant Sanfida Nongrum in the 52nd minute.
First Half: Vietnam Takes Control
Vietnam dominated possession early in the match, while India adopted a defensive strategy, looking for counter-attacking opportunities. Indian goalkeeper Panthoi Chanu Elangbam made an early save against Van Su, but India had their first chance in the eighth minute when Dangmei Grace set up Sangita Basfore, whose half-volley was saved by Vietnam's goalkeeper Tran Thi Kim Thanh.
In the 14th minute, a misplaced pass from Sangita allowed Nguyen Thi Bich Thuy to strike the crossbar from outside the box. Panthoi continued to shine with crucial saves, particularly a sprawling effort against Bich Thuy in the 27th minute.
Van Su opened the scoring in the 30th minute, curling a shot into the net after receiving a pass from Thai Thi Thao, giving Vietnam a 1-0 lead.
India's Response with a Debut Goal
At halftime, India head coach Amelia Valverde made two substitutions, introducing Sanfida and Rimpa Haldar for Grace and Soumya Guguloth. Vietnam started the second half aggressively, nearly doubling their lead in the 49th minute, but Thi Thao's goal was ruled offside after VAR review.
The introduction of Sanfida proved pivotal as she equalized in the 52nd minute. After a run from Rimpa, a deflected clearance fell to Sanfida, who struck it past Kim Thanh with her left foot, leveling the score at 1-1.
This goal boosted India's confidence, and they began to apply pressure on Vietnam. A header from Pyari Xaxa was saved just after the hour mark, and Sanfida also had a chance that went over the bar.
Late Drama: Vietnam Clinches Victory
As the match progressed, Vietnam regained their composure and created several chances. Panthoi made another crucial save from a Van Su shot in the 76th minute.
In injury time, India had a chance to take the lead when Manisha attempted a long-range free-kick, but Kim Thanh parried it away. Substitute Kaviya Pakkirisamy chased the loose ball but was unable to reach it before the goalkeeper.
In a dramatic finish, Van Su scored her second goal in the 90+4 minute, receiving a cut-back from substitute Vi Thi Hoa and slotting it home to secure a 2-1 victory for Vietnam.
Team Line-up
India's starting lineup included: Panthoi Chanu Elangbam (GK), Sweety Devi Ngangbam (C), Shilky Devi Hemam, Sangita Basfore, Soumya Guguloth (Rimpa Haldar 46'), Sanju Yadav, Pyari Xaxa (Kaviya Pakkirisamy 79'), Grace Dangmei (Sanfida Nongrum 46'), Nirmala Devi Phanjoubam, Martina Thokchom, Manisha Kalyan (Lynda Kom Serto 90+2').