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 12:20 PM GMT
What does India need to qualify?
Both India and Thailand come into tonight’s game with identical records — 3 wins, 9 points, and a goal difference of +22. India briefly held the edge earlier this week, but Thailand’s 11–0 win over Mongolia evened things up.
That sets the stage for a straight knockout scenario. Since this is the first meeting between the two teams in the group, head-to-head tiebreakers won’t apply.
It’s simple: the winner goes through.
If the scores are level after 90 minutes, it’ll go to penalties. For India to book that spot in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026, they’ll have to beat Thailand — no other result will do.
- 5 July 2025 12:19 PM GMT
Thailand XI!
🇹🇭 Thailand Starting XI
Tiffany Sornpao, Kanjanaporn Saenkhun, Supapron Intharatpisit, Natcha Kaewanta, Ploychompoo Somuek, Chatchawan Rodthong, Pichayatda Manowang, Saowalak Pengngam (C), Jiraporn Mongkoldee, Panittha Jeeratanapavibul, Pattaranan Aupachai
- 5 July 2025 12:15 PM GMT
Welcome to our live coverage of India vs Thailand!
It all comes down to this. After months of hard work and three dominant wins, the Blue Tigresses are one step away from qualifying for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026.
Tonight’s clash in Chiang Mai is a must-win, just 90 minutes to script history.
Stay with us for live updates as India takes on Thailand in a true battle of equals. Let’s go, India!
