Shillong, March 4: Meghalaya’s Sanfida Nongrum got her name on the scoresheet on debut, but India went down 1-2 to Vietnam in their AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 group stage opener at the Perth Rectangular Stadium on Wednesday.
Coming into the contest, Vietnam held the advantage on paper with a higher FIFA ranking and an impressive recent track record. The Southeast Asian side had reached the quarterfinals of the 2022 edition and went on to make their historic debut at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, underlining their steady rise in women’s football.
Vietnam drew first blood in the 30th minute following a breathtaking attacking move. Bich Thuy orchestrated the play brilliantly before setting up Van Su, who unleashed a magnificent first-time curler that beat Indian goalkeeper Panthoi and nestled into the back of the net to give her side the lead.
India responded with renewed purpose after the break, and it was Meghalaya’s Sanfida Nongrum who rose to the occasion. In the 52nd minute, the debutant announced herself in style, finishing clinically to bring India level in the second half. Her equaliser injected fresh energy into the Blue Tigresses, who began pressing for a potential winner.
Just when it appeared the match was heading for a draw, Vietnam delivered a late blow. Deep into stoppage time in the 95th minute, Van Su struck again, finding the net to restore her side’s advantage at 2-1. The goal proved decisive, leaving India heartbroken after a spirited fightback.
At the final whistle, Vietnam held on to secure a hard-fought 2-1 victory and claim all three points. The win sees them move to the top of the group alongside Japan, who lead on superior goal difference, while India will look to regroup ahead of their next fixture in the tournament.
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