Vietnam Edges India 2-1 in AFC Women's Asian Cup Opener

Vietnam Triumphs Over India in AFC Women's Asian Cup

Perth [Australia], March 4: In a thrilling encounter, India faced a 1-2 defeat against Vietnam during their opening match in Group C of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026 at the Perth Rectangular Stadium on Wednesday.

Nguyen Thi Van Su was the standout player for Vietnam, scoring in both halves (30', 90+4'), while India's only goal came from debutant Sanfida Nongrum (52'), who made an impact after coming off the bench, as reported by the All India Football Federation (AIFF).

Vietnam dominated possession early on, while India adopted a defensive strategy, looking for counter-attacking opportunities.

India's goalkeeper, Panthoi Chanu Elangbam, made a crucial early save against Van Su, before India had their first chance in the eighth minute. Dangmei Grace controlled a high ball, setting 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 Vietnam's Nguyen Thi Bich Thuy to strike the crossbar from outside the box.

Panthoi continued to shine, making a vital save against Bich Thuy in the 27th minute, keeping the score level.

Van Su broke the deadlock in the 30th minute, curling a shot into the net after receiving a pass from Thai Thi Thao, giving Vietnam the lead.

India responded by pushing forward, with Manisha finding Grace with a long pass, but Kim Thanh intercepted the ball.

At halftime, India’s coach Amelia Valverde made two substitutions, introducing Sanfida and Rimpa Haldar for Grace and Soumya Guguloth.

Vietnam nearly doubled their lead shortly after the break when Thi Thao scored, but the goal was ruled offside after a VAR review.

India's substitutions paid off quickly, as Sanfida 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.

Buoyed by the goal, India pressed forward, with a header from Pyari Xaxa being saved just after the hour mark. Sanfida also had a chance with a header that went over the bar.

As the match progressed, Vietnam regained control, creating opportunities down the flanks. Panthoi made another impressive save from a Van Su shot in the 76th minute.

In injury time, India had a chance from a long-range free-kick taken by Manisha, but Kim Thanh managed to parry it away. Substitute Kaviya Pakkirisamy chased the loose ball but was unable to reach it in time.

Vietnam clinched the victory in the dying moments when Van Su scored her second goal, finishing a cut-back from substitute 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').