Football
AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers: Indian women'team beat Thailand- Highlights
India scripted history in Chiang Mai with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Thailand to book their place in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026.
India face Thailand for a place in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026 (Photo credit: AIFF)
India scripted history in Chiang Mai with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Thailand to book their place in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026.
Sangita Basfore was the star of the night, scoring a sensational long-range opener and later heading home the winner from a corner delivered by Nirmala Devi. Thailand equalised through Chatchawan Rodthong early in the second half, but Elangbam Panthoi’s crucial saves and India’s defensive resilience ensured the lead held firm.
It was a night of redemption and firsts — India’s first-ever qualification to the Asian Cup through the qualifiers route, built on belief, teamwork, and an unbreakable spirit.
As it happened:
Live Updates
- 5 July 2025 1:17 PM GMT
44' Thailand Threaten Again, But Just Wide!
Thailand continue to press as Ploychompoo Somuek makes a darting run and gets on the end of a promising move.
She unleashes a shot from a tight angle, but it only grazes the side netting.
A close call for India — but no damage done.
The Blue Tigresses still hold their slender lead as the pressure builds.
- 5 July 2025 1:07 PM GMT
36' Nervy Moment at the Back for India!
A brief lapse in defensive focus nearly costs India, as Thailand pounce with urgency.
The Chaba Kaew sniff out the mistake and surge forward, sensing an equaliser.
But Elangbam Panthoi stays calm under pressure, coming off her line to collect the ball and shut down the threat.
A timely intervention — and a reminder that India can’t afford to switch off.
- 5 July 2025 1:04 PM GMT
32' Nearly a Second!
Close call for Thailand! Confusion as goalkeeper Tiffany Sornpao and defender Kanjanaporn Saenkhun collide while trying to deal with it.
Pyari Xaxa senses the opening and rushes in, almost capitalizing on the chaos.
But Sornpao recovers just in time to smother the ball and deny India a second.
India are pressing with intent — Thailand looking rattled!
- 5 July 2025 1:01 PM GMT
28' Sangita Basfore Stunner Puts India Ahead!
GOALLL! Sangita Basfore lights up Chiang Mai with an absolute rocket!
Picking up the ball outside the box, she lets fly with a right-footed strike that soars over Thailand keeper Tiffany Sornpao and into the net.
It’s a sensational finish — power, precision, and perfect timing.
India lead 1–0, and the dream of reaching Australia 2026 is alive and kicking!
- 5 July 2025 12:58 PM GMT
25' A cagey start in Chiang Mai!
Despite being a clash between the two strongest teams in the group, the match has yet to ignite.
Both India and Thailand are feeling each other out, with few clear-cut chances and a lot of play in the middle third.
Thailand have tested Panthoi a couple of times, but India are holding their shape well.
So far, it’s been more about control than chaos — but the tension is unmistakable.
- 5 July 2025 12:48 PM GMT
17' Panthoi to the Rescue Again!
Thailand continue to probe with intent — Pattaranan Aupachai slides a neat ball into the feet of Saowalak Pengngam, who slips just as she receives it.
The loose ball falls kindly for Jiraporn Mongkoldee, who reacts quickly to get a shot off.
But once again, Elangbam Panthoi is alert and positions herself perfectly to make the save.
India’s keeper is keeping the Blue Tigresses in it early on!
- 5 July 2025 12:46 PM GMT
14' Big Chance for Thailand!
Thailand stitch together a dangerous move down the right — Kanjanaporn Saenkhun finds Saowalak Pengngam, who quickly lays it off to Pattaranan Aupachai on left.
Her clever pass slices through the Indian defence and reaches Jiraporn Mongkoldee inside the box.
Mongkoldee gets a shot off, but it's straight at Elangbam Panthoi, who gathers safely.
India survive an early scare!
- 5 July 2025 12:41 PM GMT
8' Early Pressure from Thailand!
Thailand win an early corner, with Jiraporn Mongkoldee delivering it into the box.
The Indian defence manages to clear, but only as far as the halfway line.
Midfielder Pichayatda Manowang attempts a lofted ball back into the Indian area, but it drifts harmlessly out for a goal kick.
India breathe a sigh of relief as they look to regain composure at the back.
- 5 July 2025 12:31 PM GMT
Kick-off: Game On in Chiang Mai!
We’re underway at the 700th Anniversary Stadium!
India, in their striking orange kits, are attacking from right to left in the first half.
Thailand, in all white, have taken early control of possession as both sides settle into this crucial qualifier.
It’s a tense start with everything on the line — a place in Australia 2026 awaits.
- 5 July 2025 12:26 PM GMT
Kick-off nears: National anthems ring out!
Both teams have lined up on the pitch as the national anthems play out in Chiang Mai.
The Blue Tigresses stand tall with pride as Jana Gana Mana echoes across the stadium, followed by Thailand’s anthem stirring passion in the Chaba Kaew ranks.
It’s almost time for this high-stakes AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifier to begin.
A place in Australia — and a shot at history — awaits the winner tonight.
