Blue Tigresses Roar: India Defeats Thailand 2-1 to Qualify for AFC Women’s Asia Cup 2026

The Indian Women’s Football Team created history on July 5, 2025, as they qualified for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026 with a stunning 2-1 victory over Thailand at the 700th Anniversary Stadium in Chiang Mai. The emotional win marked India’s first-ever qualification through merit for the prestigious continental tournament.

Led by a brilliant brace from midfielder Sangita Basfore, the Blue Tigresses overcame strong hosts Thailand in a high-pressure match that decided who would advance from Group B. This qualification also puts India one step closer to a possible Brazil FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 appearance, with Australia hosting the next round of qualifiers.

For India, the win carried even more significance. They had last featured in the tournament in 2022 as hosts but had to withdraw due to a COVID outbreak.

Sangita shines for ‘Blue Tigress’ in historic victory

Sangita Basfore was the hero of the night, scoring in both halves in the 28th and 74th minutes. Her goals gave India the edge in a tight and tense match. Thailand had equalised early in the second half through Chatchawan Rodthong, whose curling cross deceived Indian goalkeeper Panthoi Chanu. But Sangita’s second goal, a close-range header after a corner from Nirmala Devi, restored India’s lead.

The Indian team showed immense discipline and heart, especially after Thailand dominated the early minutes and hit the woodwork twice through Jiraporn Mongkoldee and Karnjanathat Phomsri. Despite the pressure, India held firm, and when the final whistle blew, the team broke into celebration.

The road to a bigger dream begins

This result not only sealed India’s place in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 but also ended Thailand’s long-standing qualification streak. It was also India’s first-ever win over Thailand in women’s football.

Now, the road to Brazil 2027, the next FIFA Women’s World Cup opens up. But for now, the moment belongs to Sangita and the brave Blue Tigresses who made the country proud with a performance built on belief, unity, and resilience.

Source: Bhaskar English

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