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Etched in history: Blue Tigresses secure AFC Women's Asian Cup qualification for first time
Etched in history: Blue Tigresses secure AFC Women's Asian Cup qualification for first time

India Gazette

time7 days ago

  • Sport
  • India Gazette

Etched in history: Blue Tigresses secure AFC Women's Asian Cup qualification for first time

Chiang Mai [Thailand], July 6 (ANI): India earned a gritty 2-1 victory against hosts Thailand, sealing their qualification for the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026 on Saturday, July 5. When the final whistle blew at the 700th Anniversary of Chiang Mai Stadium on July 5, 2025, Sangita Basfore broke down in tears, as per the AIFF press release. India had just created history! For the first time ever, the Blue Tigresses had a successful qualification campaign for the AFC Women's Asian Cup. India's last appearance at the continental showpiece came in 2003, at a time when there were no qualifiers. They participated again in 2022 as hosts but were forced to withdraw due to a COVID-19 outbreak. This time, there were no exemptions--only merit. And fittingly, it was Sangita, the tireless midfield engine, who delivered on the night. Her brace - one in each half (28th and 74th minutes) - powered India past a strong Thailand side in what was a high-stakes, winner-takes-all Group B showdown. Thailand's Chatchawan Rodthong (47th minute) had briefly reignited the home side's hopes with a second-half equaliser, but Basfore's decisive second goal shattered their dreams and carved India's path to the Asian Cup. Buoyed by the vocal support of thousands in the stands, Thailand took control early. They played with energy and flair, dominating possession and pinning India back. In the 15th minute, Pattaranan Aupachai broke down the right and cut back for Jiraporn Mongkoldee, whose shot was expertly saved by Indian goalkeeper Elangbam Panthoi Chanu. Mongkoldee had another go just two minutes later, this time from distance, but her strike cannoned off the woodwork. India was on the ropes but not broken. They showed remarkable character and discipline, weathering the storm and slowly finding their rhythm before they struck against the play. In the 28th minute, Anju Tamang initiated a swift move down the right before teeing up Basfore near the edge of the box. With time and space, the midfielder unleashed a powerful right-footed shot that screamed into the net, sending the Indian dugout into raptures, the AIFF release added. Just three minutes later, India nearly doubled their lead. A well-constructed move down both flanks culminated in a cross into the box, which fell kindly for Pyari Xaxa after a defensive mishap. But the forward's effort was smothered by Thailand goalkeeper Tiffany Sornpao. Stung by the reverse, Thailand responded before the break. Mongkoldee attempted a clever lob from distance, spotting Panthoi off her line, but the keeper recovered just in time to claim the ball. The second half couldn't have started worse for India. Just two minutes after the restart, Thai fullback Chatchawan Rodthong surged down the left and whipped in a teasing cross. It was meant for striker Saowalak Pengngam, who missed her connection, but the ball's curl wrong-footed Panthoi and nestled into the far corner for a fortunate equaliser as India conceded their first goal of the qualifiers. With the momentum shifting, Thailand pressed on. In the 56th minute, Ploychompoo Somnuek floated a pinpoint ball into the box for substitute Karnjanathat Phomsri, whose ferocious effort smashed the woodwork--Thailand's second of the night. Luck, however, was not on their side. India regrouped and stayed calm. And when the chance came, they seized it. In the 74th minute, Nirmala Devi swung in a dangerous corner from the left. The ball eluded the Thai defenders and reached Shilky Devi Hemam at the far post, who squared it brilliantly for an unmarked Basfore. With nerves of steel, she nodded the ball past Sornpao from close range to restore India's lead. Thailand tried desperately to respond, but India dug deep, defended as a unit, and held their shape. The crowd grew restless, the clock ticked down, and the belief in the Indian camp swelled. When the whistle blew, history was made. The Blue Tigresses--once underdogs, now the protagonists of the group--had qualified for the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026 on merit. The win also ended Thailand's long-standing Asian Cup qualification streak and gave India their first win against them. The significance wasn't lost on anyone. For the players and coaches, it was a dream years in the making. And now, with their eyes on the road to Australia, a bigger dream awaits--a maiden FIFA Women's World Cup qualification in 2027. (ANI)

India stun Thailand, qualify for AFC Women's Asian Cup
India stun Thailand, qualify for AFC Women's Asian Cup

Time of India

time7 days ago

  • Sport
  • 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.

India secure AFC Women's Asian Cup qualification for first time
India secure AFC Women's Asian Cup qualification for first time

United News of India

time05-07-2025

  • Sport
  • United News of India

India secure AFC Women's Asian Cup qualification for first time

Chiang Mai (Thailand), July 5 (UNI) When the final whistle blew at the 700th Anniversary of Chiang Mai Stadium tonight, Sangita Basfore broke down in tears. India had just earned a gritty 2-1 victory against hosts Thailand, sealing their qualification for AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026. India had just created history. For the first time ever, the Blue Tigresses had had a successful qualification campaign for the AFC Women's Asian Cup. India's last appearance at the continental showpiece came in 2003, at a time when there were no qualifiers. They participated again in 2022 as hosts but were forced to withdraw due to a COVID outbreak. This time, there were no exemptions—only merit. And fittingly, it was Sangita, the tireless midfield engine, who delivered on the night. Her brace – one in each half (28th and 74th minutes) – powered India past a strong Thailand side in what was a high-stakes, winner-takes-all Group B showdown. Thailand's Chatchawan Rodthong (47th minute) had briefly reignited the home side's hopes with a second-half equaliser, but Basfore's decisive second goal shattered their dreams and carved India's path to the Asian Cup. Buoyed by the vocal support of thousands in the stands, Thailand took control early. They played with energy and flair, dominating possession and pinning India back. In the 15th minute, Pattaranan Aupachai broke down the right and cut back for Jiraporn Mongkoldee, whose shot was expertly saved by Indian goalkeeper Elangbam Panthoi Chanu. Mongkoldee had another go just two minutes later, this time from distance, but her strike cannoned off the woodwork. India were on the ropes but not broken. They showed remarkable character and discipline, weathering the storm and slowly finding their rhythm, before they struck against the play. In the 28th minute, Anju Tamang initiated a swift move down the right before teeing up Basfore near the edge of the box. With time and space, the midfielder unleashed a powerful right-footed shot that screamed into the net, sending the Indian dugout into raptures. Just three minutes later, India nearly doubled their lead. A well-constructed move down both flanks culminated in a cross into the box, which fell kindly for Pyari Xaxa after a defensive mishap. But the forward's effort was smothered by Thailand goalkeeper Tiffany Sornpao. Stung by the reverse, Thailand responded before the break. Mongkoldee attempted a clever lob from distance, spotting Panthoi off her line, but the keeper recovered just in time to claim the ball. The second half couldn't have started worse for India. Just two minutes after the restart, Thai fullback Chatchawan Rodthong surged down the left and whipped in a teasing cross. It was meant for striker Saowalak Pengngam, who missed her connection, but the ball's curl wrong-footed Panthoi and nestled into the far corner for a fortunate equaliser as India conceded their first goal of the qualifiers. With the momentum shifting, Thailand pressed on. In the 56th minute, Ploychompoo Somnuek floated a pinpoint ball into the box for substitute Karnjanathat Phomsri, whose ferocious effort smashed the woodwork — Thailand's second of the night. Luck, however, was not on their side. India regrouped and stayed calm. And when the chance came, they seized it. In the 74th minute, Nirmala Devi swung in a dangerous corner from the left. The ball eluded the Thai defenders and reached Shilky Devi Hemam at the far post, who squared it brilliantly for an unmarked Basfore. With nerves of steel, she nodded the ball past Sornpao from close range to restore India's lead. Thailand tried desperately to respond, but India dug deep, defended as a unit, and held their shape. The crowd grew restless, the clock ticked down, and the belief in the Indian camp swelled. When the whistle blew, history was made. The Blue Tigresses — once underdogs, now the protagonists of the group — had qualified for the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026 on merit. The win also ended Thailand's long-standing Asian Cup qualification streak and gave India their first win against them. The significance wasn't lost on anyone. For the players and coaches, it was a dream years in the making. And now, with their eyes on the road to Australia, a bigger dream awaits — a maiden FIFA Women's World Cup qualification in 2027. For now, though, the night belongs to Sangita Basfore and a fearless team that believed — and made the nation believe with them. India: Elangbam Panthoi Chanu (GK), Ngangbam Sweety Devi (C), Phanjoubam Nirmala Devi, Hemam Shilky Devi, Sangita Basfore, Nongmaithem Ratanbala Devi, Sanju, Anju Tamang (Malavika P 90+2'), Pyari Xaxa (Lynda Kom Serto 81'), Manisha Kalyan, Rimpa Haldar (Dangmei Grace 55'). UNI BM

India qualify for Women's Asian Cup
India qualify for Women's Asian Cup

Time of India

time05-07-2025

  • Sport
  • Time of India

India qualify for Women's Asian Cup

"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. 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 post-match presentation. The truth in her statement was evident throughout the game where the hosts enjoyed a major chunk of possession but were met by the gritty defence led by Shilky Devi Hemam, Sweety Devi, Nirmala Devi and Sanju. On the other hand, star winger Manisha Kalyan kept troubling the Thai defence with her sharp runs, pace and dribbles up the left wing. It was also an unforgettable game for Panthoi Chanu under the bar as she made at least two brilliant saves to keep India in the game. With Thai skipper Saowalak Pengngam, star attacker Jiraporn Mongkoldee and winger Pattaranan Aupachai leading constant attacks into the Indian box, Panthoi made a crucial save off a Saowalak shot at goalmouth in the 15th minute. Two minutes later, it was the woodwork that came in the way of Jiroporn's opener. 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 that dipped into the top left corner. Crispin Chettri and stand-in coach Priya Valappil's 4-2-3-1 combination worked wonders as Thailand failed to find an equaliser in the first half, aided by another crucial save by Panthoi in the 36th minute to a Jirapon volley that looked destined for the goal. But Thailand came back strongly after the break as Chatchawan Rodthong equalised with a touch to a Saowalak long cross in the 47th minute. This time Panthoi could only dive for it as the ball evaded the woodwork and swerved into the right bottom corner. However, the Indian attack led by Manisha, Pyari Xaxa and Ratanbala Devi kept up their optimism and attacks into the Thailand half and a set piece in the 74th minute brought the Indian efforts to fruition as Basfore nodded in a headed cut-back by Shilky Devi from a corner kick. With the score reading 2-1 in India's favour, Thailand continued their desperate search for an equaliser. But there was no break in the Indian women's grit as they held on and scripted a day to remember for Indian football fans. As Basfore signed off at the presentation, "Our next target is the World Cup!" But for now, they can bask in the glory they have rightfully earned for themselves and the country.

India qualifies for AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 after beating higher-ranked Thailand
India qualifies for AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 after beating higher-ranked Thailand

The Hindu

time05-07-2025

  • Sport
  • The Hindu

India qualifies for AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 after beating higher-ranked Thailand

The Indian national team qualified for the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 after beating Thailand 2-1 in a deciding qualifier on Saturday. For the first time ever, the Blue Tigresses had had a successful qualification campaign for the AFC Women's Asian Cup. India's last appearance at the continental showpiece came in 2003, at a time when there were no qualifiers. They participated again in 2022 as hosts but were forced to withdraw due to a COVID outbreak. It was Sangita Basfore, the tireless midfield engine, who delivered on the night. Her brace – one in each half (28th and 74th minutes) – powered India past a strong Thailand side in what was a high-stakes, winner-takes-all Group B showdown. Thailand's Chatchawan Rodthong (47th minute) had briefly reignited the home side's hopes with a second-half equaliser, but Basfore's decisive second goal shattered its dreams and carved India's path to the Asian Cup. AS IT HAPPENED | Thailand vs India Highlights 'I want to congratulate my team first. It's because of them that I have been able to score these two goals. A huge thanks to the coaching staff as well,' Sangita said after the match. 'Our target is the World Cup. We'll look at that going ahead,' she added. 'I also want to thank the fans and our families for supporting us.' Buoyed by the vocal support of thousands in the stands, Thailand took control early. India was on the ropes but not broken. In the 28th minute, Anju Tamang initiated a swift move down the right before teeing up Basfore near the edge of the box. With time and space, the midfielder unleashed a powerful right-footed shot that screamed into the net, sending the Indian dugout into raptures. The second half couldn't have started worse for India. Just two minutes after the restart, Thai fullback Chatchawan Rodthong surged down the left and whipped in a teasing cross. It was meant for striker Saowalak Pengngam, who missed her connection, but the ball's curl wrong-footed Panthoi and nestled into the far corner for a fortunate equaliser as India conceded their first goal of the qualifiers. Despite multiple attempts to equalise, Thailand couldn't find the back of the net for the second time in the match. The AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 will also serve as a qualifier for the FIFA Women's World Cup Brazil 2027.

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