Indian women qualify for AFC Asia Cup

India qualified for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 with a historic 2–1 win over Thailand, led by Sangita Basfore’s brace in a dramatic, winner-takes-all clash in Chiang Mai

Hyderabad: When the final whistle blew at the 700th Anniversary Stadium in Chiang Mai on July 5, 2025, Sangita Basfore broke down in tears. India had just earned a gritty 2–1 victory against hosts Thailand, sealing their qualification for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026.

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 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.

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 — India’s first goal conceded in the qualifiers.

The win also ended Thailand’s long-standing Asian Cup qualification streak and gave India their first win against them.

And now, with their eyes on the road to Australia, a bigger dream awaits — a maiden FIFA Women’s World Cup qualification in 2027.

Result: India 2 (Sangita Basfore 28’, 74’) bt Thailand 1 (Chatchawan Rodthong 47’)