India Beat Thailand 2-1 In Asia Cup Qualifier, One Step Closer To Australia
This is the first time the Women in Blue have qualified for the continental cup through the qualifiers route, with their last appearance in the tournament coming in 2003. With identical points and goal difference, both sides needed a victory, but the tie got off to a cagey start with action limited to the middle of the pitch.
Thailand enjoyed more possession, but India were solid defensively as they worked tirelessly to close down the spaces. Limited to counterattacks, India made one count in the 29th minute with a spectacular effort from Sangita.
The move started in their half, with Anju Tamang cutting the ball back for the unmarked Sangita, who unleashed her shot from just outside the box past a despairing Tiffany Sornpao.
Stung by the goal, Thailand upped their tempo but found India a resilient lot, with the hosts limited to half chances as the South Asian side went into the break ahead.
Thailand, however, needed only two minutes into the restart to draw level with Chatchawan Rodthong enjoying a stroke of luck as her shot from distance took a wicked bounce to beat India goalkeeper Elangbam Panthoi before settling in the net.
India, however, refused to let Thailand build on the goal, and their determination paid dividends in the 74th minute.
Defender Nirmala Devi floated her corner across the face of the goalmouth, with the ball finding Shilky Devi, who nodded it across for Sangita to head home past a static Thai defence as India took their place at Australia 2026.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India.com
a day ago
- India.com
India Beat Thailand 2-1 In Asia Cup Qualifier, One Step Closer To Australia
Sangita Basfore struck both goals as India defeated Thailand 2-1 to seal qualification to the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026 here on Saturday. The victory meant India finished with a perfect 12 points in Group B of the Qualifiers as former champions Thailand missed out. This is the first time the Women in Blue have qualified for the continental cup through the qualifiers route, with their last appearance in the tournament coming in 2003. With identical points and goal difference, both sides needed a victory, but the tie got off to a cagey start with action limited to the middle of the pitch. Thailand enjoyed more possession, but India were solid defensively as they worked tirelessly to close down the spaces. Limited to counterattacks, India made one count in the 29th minute with a spectacular effort from Sangita. The move started in their half, with Anju Tamang cutting the ball back for the unmarked Sangita, who unleashed her shot from just outside the box past a despairing Tiffany Sornpao. Stung by the goal, Thailand upped their tempo but found India a resilient lot, with the hosts limited to half chances as the South Asian side went into the break ahead. Thailand, however, needed only two minutes into the restart to draw level with Chatchawan Rodthong enjoying a stroke of luck as her shot from distance took a wicked bounce to beat India goalkeeper Elangbam Panthoi before settling in the net. India, however, refused to let Thailand build on the goal, and their determination paid dividends in the 74th minute. Defender Nirmala Devi floated her corner across the face of the goalmouth, with the ball finding Shilky Devi, who nodded it across for Sangita to head home past a static Thai defence as India took their place at Australia 2026.
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
a day ago
- First Post
Why India's qualification for 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup is historic
Indian women's football team made history by qualifying for the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup on merit for the first time. A 2-1 win over Thailand in Chiang Mai sealed a landmark achievement for the Blue Tigresses. read more India defeated Thailand 2-1 to book their place in the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup, which is scheduled to be held in Australia. It was a moment of pure joy and a historic one as tears rolled down and celebrations erupted after the final whistle blew at the stadium in Chiang Mai, Thailand, on 5 July. The Indian women's football team has qualified for the Asian Cup for the first time ever on merit. In previous appearances in 2003 and 2022, India either got in directly or hosted the event. However, the Blue Tigresses have done it this time and there were no shortcuts. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The star of the night was Sangita Basfore, who scored both goals to lead India to victory in a match that was basically a winner-takes-all clash. Thailand, playing at home and ranked 24 places above India in the FIFA rankings, were favourites. But the Indian girls had other plans. More from Football Also Read: Why this win matters so much This win wasn't a regular victory, just about three points. It meant India topped Group B of the AFC Women's Asian Cup qualifiers with 12 points from 4 games. It also ended Thailand's long-standing streak of qualifying for every Asian Cup since 2001. India's road to this point had already seen some big wins, including a 13-0 victory against Mongolia, a 4-0 victory against Timor-Leste, and a 5-0 victory against Iraq. However, Thailand was the real test given their current standing on the global stage in the women's game, and India passed with flying colours. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Also Read: This is a huge moment for Indian women's football. After heartbreak in 2022, when they had to withdraw due to COVID-19 despite being hosts, the team has finally earned their place through performance. Coach Crispin Chhetri and his squad can now proudly say they belong among Asia's best. With the 2026 AFC Asian Cup qualification secured, the next big goal will be the FIFA Women's World Cup 2027. India will look to qualify for the mega event as well.
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
India stun Thailand, qualify for AFC Women's Asian Cup
Indian women's football team (AIFF) 'We did it!' India's star for the day, Sangita Basfore, could be heard crying to her teammates after the final whistle was blown in the 'knockout' Women's Asian Cup Qualifier fixture at the 700th Anniversary of Chiang Mai Stadium on Saturday. And the tears of joy in the Indian women's eyes reflected the tall task they achieved in beating world No. 46 Thailand 2-1 in their last match of the qualifiers in Chiang Mai, Thailand, and booking a ticket to the Women's Asian Cup 2026 in Australia. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! The two-time World Cuppers — boosted by a huge crowd cheering on the home side — showed their class with their trademark constant press. But the Indian defence stood strong and Basfore pounced on two of the few golden chances created by the visitors — one on either side of the break — to earn a memorable victory, India's first against the opponents who lie 24 rungs above them on the Fifa ladder. 'We played as a team and that's why I could score the two goals and qualify for the Asian Cup,' Basfore said at the postmatch presentation. 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞! 𝑨𝑼𝑺𝑻𝑹𝑨𝑳𝑰𝑨 🇦🇺 🔥 #THAIND #BlueTigresses #WAC2026 #IndianFootball ⚽️ — Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) July 5, 2025 The gritty defence led by Shilky Devi Hemam, Sweety Devi, Nirmala Devi and Sanju kept the hosts at bay while Panthoi Chanu under the bar made at least two brilliant saves to keep India in the game. But it was the Indians' day on the field as after receiving a pass from Anju Tamang outside the Thailand box, Basfore sent in a brilliant volley that left 'keeper Tiffany Sornpao flying but unable to reach the ball. Thailand came back strongly after the break as Chatchawan Rodthong equalised in the 47th minute. However, the Indian attack led by Manisha, Pyari Xaxa and Ratanbala Devi kept raiding the rival box and Basfore rose to the occasion in the 74th minute and nodded in a headed cut-back by Shilky Devi from a corner kick. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
