India’s AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 campaign began with a narrow 2–1 defeat to Vietnam at the Perth Rectangular Stadium on Tuesday, as the Blue Tigresses fought hard but ultimately fell short against the Southeast Asian side in their Group C opener.
Vietnam struck first through Nguyễn Thị Vạn Sự in the 30th minute, before Sanfida Nongrum brought India level early in the second half. However, Vietnam regained the lead late in the game through Nguyễn Thị Vạn Sự, sealing three crucial points and leaving India with work to do in their remaining group fixtures.
Despite the defeat, India produced a resilient performance in phases, showing improved intensity in the second half and creating several promising attacking moments.
Balanced Opening but Vietnam Take Control
The match began with both teams testing each other cautiously. India showed early attacking intent through Manisha Kalyan, who made a couple of threatening runs down the left flank inside the opening ten minutes. Midfielder Sangita Basfore also forced an early save from Vietnam goalkeeper Trần Thị Kim Thanh, offering India encouragement in the early exchanges.
However, Vietnam soon began asserting control in midfield. Their quick passing and movement created several opportunities around the Indian penalty area. Around the 20-minute mark, Vietnam came close to opening the scoring when Bích Thùy unleashed a powerful long-range effort that dipped sharply and struck the crossbar after India lost possession near their own box. Moments later, star forward Huỳnh Như entered the penalty area through a quick one-two combination but failed to convert.
India goalkeeper Panthoi Chanu was kept busy during this phase, making a crucial intervention by rushing off her line to deny an advancing Vietnamese attacker.
Vietnam Break the Deadlock
Vietnam’s growing dominance eventually paid off in the 30th minute. Midfielder Bích Thùy once again caused problems for the Indian defence with a clever run that pulled defenders out of position. She dropped the ball into the path of Nguyễn Thị Thảo, who then slipped a pass into space for Nguyễn Thị Vạn Sự.
The Vietnamese attacker calmly curled her effort into the far corner past Panthoi to give Vietnam a deserved 1–0 lead. The goal shifted momentum further in Vietnam’s favour as they continued to push forward, slicing through India’s defence with quick passing combinations.
India were forced into defensive mode for much of the remainder of the first half. However, strong defending from captain Sweety Devi and several key saves from Panthoi ensured that Vietnam’s lead remained just a single goal at halftime.
India Respond After the Break
The second half began with early drama. Vietnam thought they had doubled their lead shortly after the restart when Nguyễn Thị Thảo bundled the ball into the net following a rebound from Panthoi’s save. However, a VAR review ruled the goal out for offside, offering India a major reprieve.
That moment seemed to inject energy into the Indian side. Just minutes later, India found the equaliser in the 55th minute through Sanfida Nongrum.
The goal originated from a midfield duel involving Rimpa Haldar, who attempted to carry the ball forward before being tackled. The loose ball fell kindly behind the Vietnamese defensive line, where Nongrum had timed her run perfectly. The forward struck a quick shot that brushed the hands of goalkeeper Kim Thanh before looping into the net, bringing India back into the contest at 1–1.
Following the equaliser, India showed renewed confidence and altered their tactical approach. Head coach Amelia Valverde’s side began pressing Vietnam aggressively in midfield, pushing their defensive line higher up the pitch. The introduction of fresh legs added energy to India’s pressing game, allowing them to disrupt Vietnam’s build-up play.
This aggressive strategy also opened the match up, creating space for counter-attacks from both teams. India nearly took the lead when Nongrum once again found herself in a promising position, meeting a cross from the right wing. However, her effort looped over the crossbar due to imperfect contact.
Meanwhile, Vietnam continued to threaten on the counter, forcing India’s defence to remain alert.
As the match entered its final stages, Vietnam intensified their search for a winning goal. In the 85th minute, substitute Vũ Thị Hoa chased a loose ball inside the Indian penalty area and attempted to lob the advancing Panthoi. Her effort sailed over the goal but resulted in a collision with the Indian goalkeeper, prompting a brief stoppage while Panthoi received medical attention. Hoa was subsequently shown a yellow card.
Watch Indian Live Scores and Play Quiz – Download IndiaSportsHub App
Just when the match appeared headed for a draw, Vietnam delivered the decisive blow in stoppage time. Nguyễn Thị Vạn Sự struck again in the 90+4th minute, completing her brace and sealing a 2–1 victory for Vietnam in dramatic fashion.
The defeat puts India under pressure in Group C, where they face formidable opponents including Japan and Chinese Taipei. However, there were several positives in India’s performance particularly their second-half response, improved pressing strategy, and attacking contributions from players such as Manisha Kalyan and Sanfida Nongrum.
Goalkeeper Panthoi Chanu also produced several key saves that kept India competitive for large parts of the match. With the tournament offering qualification routes to the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027, every remaining match becomes crucial for the Blue Tigresses.
India will now look to regroup quickly and deliver stronger performances in their upcoming fixtures as they aim to keep their Asian Cup campaign alive.
