AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026: Late Goal Seals 2–1 Win for Vietnam Over India

by Chandler D'silva March 5, 2026

India suffered a dramatic 2–1 defeat against Vietnam in their opening Group C fixture of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026 at the Perth Rectangular Stadium. A stoppage-time strike from Nguyen Thi Van Su sealed the win for Vietnam after India had fought back strongly in the second half.

Vietnam began the match with greater control of possession, while India stayed compact and looked to threaten on the counter. Goalkeeper Panthoi Chanu Elangbam was called into action early, producing a sharp save to deny Van Su. India soon created an opportunity of their own when Sangita Basfore struck a half-volley after Dangmei Grace’s clever chest-down, but the effort was comfortably saved.

The pressure from Vietnam continued to build. Nguyen Thi Bich Thuy nearly opened the scoring after capitalising on a misplaced pass from Sangita, but her effort rattled the crossbar. Panthoi remained busy and produced another important save to deny Bich Thuy moments later.

Vietnam eventually broke the deadlock in the 30th minute. Van Su timed her run well to meet Thai Thi Thao’s pass and curled a composed finish into the net from just inside the box.

India head coach Amelia Valverde responded at half-time with two substitutions, introducing Sanfida Nongrum and Rimpa Haldar. The changes made an immediate impact. In the 52nd minute, a deflected clearance fell kindly to debutant Sanfida, who reacted quickly and fired a powerful left-footed strike past the goalkeeper to level the score.

The equaliser lifted India’s confidence as they pushed forward with more attacking intent. Pyari Xaxa came close with a header from a Rimpa cross, while Sanfida also attempted another header that went narrowly over the bar.

Vietnam slowly regained control and began creating chances through the wings, but Panthoi stood strong once again, making a crucial save to deny Van Su in the 76th minute.

India nearly grabbed a late goal in stoppage time when Manisha Kalyan’s long-range free-kick forced a parry from the goalkeeper, but substitute Kaviya Pakkirisamy was just beaten to the rebound.

However, heartbreak followed moments later. In the fourth minute of added time, Van Su received a cut-back from substitute Vi Thi Hoa and calmly slotted the ball into the net to score her second of the match and secure a late 2–1 victory for Vietnam.

Despite a spirited performance and a debut goal from Sanfida Nongrum, India were left disappointed as the Blue Tigresses narrowly missed out on a point in their tournament opener.

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