In a historic India vs Thailand encounter at the 700th Anniversary Stadium, Sangita Basfore led India to a 2-1 victory that sealed their place in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026. This hard-fought win not only marked a successful qualification campaign for the Blue Tigresses but also ended Thailand’s consistent Asian Cup qualification streak.
This was no ordinary India vs Thailand clash—it was a winner-takes-all fixture in Group B. With everything on the line, Sangita Basfore delivered a match-winning brace (29’, 74’) to guide India to a thrilling and emotional triumph. For the first time ever, the Indian women’s team qualified for the Asian Cup through merit, with no exemptions or automatic entries.
Thailand had the backing of thousands of home fans and began the India vs Thailand match with relentless energy. They dominated possession early, with Jiraporn Mongkoldee and Pattaranan Aupachai testing Indian goalkeeper Elangbam Panthoi Chanu. The woodwork came to India’s rescue as Mongkoldee’s strike ricocheted off the post.
Against the flow of the game, India struck. In the 29th minute, Anju Tamang’s smart run and pass found Sangita Basfore just outside the box. With precision, Basfore fired a powerful right-footed shot to give India a 1-0 lead in this decisive India vs Thailand clash.
Thailand responded just after halftime. In the 47th minute, fullback Chatchawan Rodthong curled in a cross that unexpectedly beat the Indian goalkeeper, levelling the score. The home side pushed on with momentum and nearly took the lead, hitting the woodwork again through substitute Karnjanathat Phomsri.
However, the India vs Thailand battle took another turn in the 74th minute. A corner from Nirmala Devi landed at the feet of Shilky Devi, who calmly squared it to Basfore. The midfielder, unmarked and composed, headed the ball past Tiffany Sornpao to restore India’s lead and claim her second of the night.
Thailand continued to attack but India’s defence held firm. The final whistle confirmed a monumental India vs Thailand result—one that put India into the AFC Women’s Asian Cup for the first time as qualifiers. The team’s last appearance in 2022 was as hosts, and in 2003, they entered without playing qualifiers. But this time, they earned it.
As tears rolled down Sangita Basfore’s face, the weight of history was clear. The India vs Thailand encounter had rewritten India’s women’s football narrative. With this result, the Blue Tigresses now shift focus to an even bigger dream: qualifying for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027.
India vs Thiland India vs Thailand: Sangita Basfore Brace Seals AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualification highlights
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