Etched in History: Blue Tigresses Break the Hex, Qualify for AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026!

by Chittu Shetty July 6, 2025

When the final whistle pierced the air at the 700th Anniversary of Chiang Mai Stadium, it wasn’t just a sound; it was the echo of history being rewritten. Tears streamed down Sangita Basfore’s face – tears of sheer elation and disbelief. India had just secured a gritty, hard-fought 2-1 victory against hosts Thailand, sealing their qualification for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026.

This wasn’t merely a win; it was a monumental triumph. For the first time ever, the Blue Tigresses had successfully navigated a qualification campaign for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup on merit. India’s last appearance at the continental showpiece came in 2003, a time when direct entry was common. They participated again in 2022 as hosts but were cruelly forced to withdraw due to a COVID outbreak. This time, there were no exemptions—only the undeniable proof of their prowess.

The significance of this victory is amplified by the deep-seated history between these two nations. India had faced Thailand eight times previously, losing every single encounter. This grim 0-8 record included heartbreaking moments that had become ingrained in Indian football lore: a 1-0 semi-final loss in the 1981 AFC Women’s Championship, a crushing 0-3 defeat in the 1983 final, and the agonizing 3-2 loss in the 2006 AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualification playoff where India squandered a 2-0 lead. The 2014 Asian Games even saw a humbling 10-0 scoreline. Facing a team that had played in two FIFA Women’s World Cups and currently sits 49th in the FIFA rankings (compared to India’s 70th), the odds, and history, were stacked against the Blue Tigresses.

But this Indian team arrived with a different resolve, a burning “Quest for Redemption.” And fittingly, 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.

Buoyed by the vocal support of thousands, Thailand started with energy and flair, dominating possession and pinning India back. In the 15th minute, a dangerous cut-back led to a shot expertly saved by Indian goalkeeper Elangbam Panthoi Chanu. Just two minutes later, a long-range strike cannoned off the woodwork, a stark reminder of Thailand’s attacking threat. India were on the ropes but not broken. They showed remarkable character and discipline, weathering the storm and slowly finding their rhythm, before striking against the run of 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. India nearly doubled their lead just minutes later, but Pyari Xaxa’s effort was smothered by the Thai goalkeeper.

The second half began with a jolt for India. Just two minutes after the restart, Thai fullback Chatchawan Rodthong surged down the left and whipped in a teasing cross. It bypassed the intended striker, but its curl wrong-footed Panthoi and nestled into the far corner for a fortunate equaliser, marking India’s first conceded goal of the qualifiers. With momentum shifting, Thailand pressed on, hitting the woodwork for a second time in the 56th minute.

India regrouped and stayed calm. And when the chance came, they seized it. In the 74th minute, Nirmala Devi swung in a dangerous corner. The ball eluded the Thai defenders and found Shilky Devi Hemam at the far post, who squared it brilliantly for an unmarked Basfore. With nerves of steel, she nodded the ball past the goalkeeper 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, most importantly, gave India their first-ever victory 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 these fearless girls who believed — and made the nation believe with them.

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