05-07-2025
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.
