India Faces Narrow Defeat Against Vietnam in AFC Women's Asian Cup Opener

Match Overview

In a gripping encounter, India suffered a 1-2 loss to Vietnam during their opening match in Group C of the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026, held at the Perth Rectangular Stadium on March 4, 2026. Nguyen Thi Van Su was the standout player for Vietnam, scoring both goals at the 30th and 90+4 minutes. India's only goal came from debutant Sanfida Nongrum in the 52nd minute.

Vietnam started the match with more possession, 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 soon had their first chance when Sangita Basfore's half-volley was saved by Vietnam's Tran Thi Kim Thanh.

Vietnam's Nguyen Thi Bich Thuy nearly scored in the 14th minute, hitting the crossbar after capitalizing on a defensive error. Panthoi continued to shine with crucial saves, particularly against Bich Thuy in the 27th minute. Van Su eventually broke the deadlock in the 30th minute, curling a shot into the net after receiving a pass from Thai Thi Thao.

India's strategy shifted to long balls into the Vietnam half, but they struggled to find the net. At halftime, coach Amelia Valverde made two substitutions, introducing Sanfida and Rimpa Haldar. The changes paid off when Sanfida equalized shortly after the break, reacting quickly to a deflected clearance and scoring with a powerful left-footed shot.

With renewed confidence, India pressed forward, but Vietnam regained control, creating several chances. Panthoi made another impressive save in the 76th minute. In injury time, India had a chance to equalize from a long-range free-kick, but Kim Thanh managed to parry the shot. Just moments later, Van Su secured the win for Vietnam with her second goal, finishing off a cut-back from Vi Thi Hoa.

India's 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, and Manisha Kalyan (Lynda Kom Serto 90+2).