AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026: Blue Tigresses Stunned Late As Vietnam Snatch 2-1 Win

Last Updated:March 04, 2026, 21:20 IST

India women's football team lost 2-1 to Vietnam in their AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 opener. Nguyen Thi Van Su scored twice, including a stoppage-time winner.

India women’s national football team suffered a heartbreaking injury-time defeat against Vietnam women’s national football team in their Group C opener at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 on Wednesday.

At Perth Rectangular Stadium, Nguyen Thi Van Su proved decisive, scoring in the 30th minute and again in stoppage time (90+4’) to seal a 2-1 win for Vietnam. Debutant Sanfida Nongrum (52’) had briefly brought India level with a sharp second-half strike.

Vietnam Strike First

Vietnam dominated early possession as India sat compact, waiting for openings. Goalkeeper Panthoi Chanu Elangbam was called into action several times, including a sharp early stop from Van Su and a crucial near-post save from Nguyen Thi Bich Thuy in the 27th minute.

The breakthrough came three minutes later when Van Su latched onto a pass from Thai Thi Thao and curled a composed finish from inside the box.

India had their moments before the break, with Sangita Basfore firing straight at goalkeeper Tran Thi Kim Thanh and Bich Thuy striking the crossbar at the other end during a tense opening half.

Sanfida Sparks Hope

Head coach Amelia Valverde introduced Sanfida Nongrum and Rimpa Haldar at half-time.

After a scramble in the box following Rimpa’s run down the left, the loose ball fell kindly to Sanfida, who reacted quickest and drilled a left-footed finish past Kim Thanh to make it 1-1.

The equaliser lifted India.

Pyari Xaxa forced a save with a header, while Sanfida went close again soon after. Vietnam briefly thought they had restored their lead in the 49th minute, but VAR ruled out Thai Thi Thao’s effort for offside.

Injury-Time Heartbreak

As the match drifted into stoppage time, India sensed a point. Manisha’s long-range free-kick forced a parry from Kim Thanh, but Vietnam cleared the danger.

Moments later came the sucker punch. Substitute Vi Thi Hoa cut the ball back for Van Su, who calmly slotted home her second of the night to snatch victory in the 94th minute.

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