Vietnam vs India Player Ratings: Sanfida, Panthoi Chanu impress; Sangita Basfore, Dangmei Grace disappoint in AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 opener

Late blow sees India lose tight battle against Vietnam.

The AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 campaign began in heartbreak for the India Women’s National Football Team, as they went down narrowly to the Vietnam Women’s National Football Team in a fiercely contested opener.

After conceding first, India showed tremendous character to fight their way back into the game, restoring parity and shifting momentum with renewed belief. Both sides produced phases of sharp attacking play and disciplined defending, turning the encounter into an intense end-to-end battle.

However, just when it seemed the spoils would be shared, a late injury-time strike broke Indian hearts, handing Vietnam all three points.

With several impressive individual displays, ranging from resilient defensive efforts to creative sparks in attack, let us now take a closer look at the player ratings from this gripping fixture.

FT: 🇻🇳 2-1 🇮🇳Heartbreak at the end for India in their opener at the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 💔After showing great character to fight back through Sanfida Nongrum, Vietnam struck in injury time to snatch it late.A spirited performance, but no points this time. The Blue… pic.twitter.com/bV9fSodlOq

— Khel Now (@KhelNow) March 4, 2026

India Women’s National Football Team Player Ratings (by Ayushman Sharma)

Panthoi Chanu – 7/10

Elangbam Panthoi Chanu looked solid between the sticks and commanded her box well for most parts of the game. She made a few important collections under pressure and showed good awareness while dealing with crosses and loose balls inside the area.

There was a slightly shaky moment during Vietnam’s disallowed offside goal, where she appeared a bit uncertain, but she quickly regained composure.

Overall, a dependable performance and arguably India’s second-best player on the night despite the late heartbreak.

Nirmala Devi – 5.5/10

Nirmala Devi endured a fairly quiet outing and struggled to stamp her authority on the game. She looked a bit shaky at times and didn’t quite make a meaningful impact in key phases of play.

While she wasn’t directly at fault for major moments, it was more of an average, steady performance without much influence on either end of the pitch.

Sweety Devi (C) – 6.5/10

Sweety Devi delivered a composed performance at the back and played a key role in organizing the defensive line. Calm under pressure, she controlled her positioning well and acted as the leader in defense throughout the contest.

Operating as the last player on multiple occasions, she made crucial interceptions and halted several Vietnamese attacks with timely clearances and smart reading of the game. A steady and reassuring presence despite the late setback.

Martina Thokchom – 4/10

Martina Thokchom endured a difficult outing and looked uncomfortable in the defensive role. Playing slightly out of her natural position, she struggled to adapt and found it hard to impose herself on the game.

There were moments of hesitation and positional uncertainty, which allowed pressure to build.

Overall, it was a tough night for her as she tried to cope with responsibilities that didn’t fully suit her usual style of play.

Sanju Yadav – 4/10

Sanju Yadav had a disappointing outing and never really found her rhythm in the game. As one of the more experienced players in the squad, much more was expected from her presence and composure on the pitch.

She looked off the pace for most of the contest, struggled to influence key moments, and failed to provide the stability usually associated with her role.

Overall, a performance well below her usual standards.

Shilky Devi – 6/10

Shilky Devi put in a decent shift at the back alongside Sweety Devi. She maintained good coordination with her defensive partner and showed composure in dealing with sustained pressure.

While there is still room for improvement, particularly in distribution and quicker decision-making, she was one of the more reliable defenders on the pitch and held her ground for large spells of the game.

Sangita Basfore – 5/10

Sangita Basfore had a tough evening in midfield and never quite managed to assert her presence. Despite her experience, she struggled to dictate tempo or win key duels in the center of the park.

At times, she was overrun as Vietnam gained control in midfield, and she couldn’t capitalize on moments to steady the game.

Overall, it was an off day where she found herself second-best in crucial battles.

Grace Dangmei – 3/10

Grace Dangmei endured a very disappointing first half and struggled to influence the game in any meaningful way. As one of the senior figures in the side, more composure and attacking threat were expected from her.

She found it difficult to get into rhythm, was largely ineffective in forward areas, and failed to create notable moments before being substituted at the break.

Overall, a tough outing for the experienced attacker.

Soumya Guguloth – 3/10

Soumya Guguloth struggled to make an impact and endured a difficult first half. She looked off the pace, found it hard to get involved in attacking moves, and couldn’t trouble the opposition defence.

Like Dangmei, she was substituted at halftime after an underwhelming display.

Overall, it was a poor outing where she was unable to influence the game in India’s favour.

Manisha Kalyan – 6.5/10

Manisha Kalyan carried much of the attacking expectation and delivered a fairly solid performance. She was lively in forward areas, created a few promising chances, and struck a superb free-kick that nearly troubled the goalkeeper.

However, there were phases where she appeared a bit casual and could have shown greater urgency off the ball.

Even so, she remained one of India’s more threatening players in an otherwise difficult contest.

Pyari Xaxa – 6/10

Pyari Xaxa had a tale of two halves. She struggled to make an impact in the first period and looked relatively quiet in attacking areas.

However, she showed much better energy after the break, appearing more lively on the wing and getting involved in forward movements.

Alongside her improved attacking presence, she also tracked back well and contributed to defensive duties in the second half, making it a more balanced overall performance.

Substitutes

Sanfida Nongrum – 7.5/10

Sanfida Nongrum was undoubtedly India’s standout performer on the night. Introduced in the second half, she changed the tempo of the game and brought much-needed energy to the side.

She not only scored the crucial equalizer but also contributed tirelessly across the pitch, pressing, tracking back, linking play, and driving forward with intent. Her work rate and determination stood out, making her look like a machine in midfield and attack.

Easily the best player for India despite the late heartbreak.

Rimpa Haldar – 6.5/10

Rimpa Haldar made a positive impact after coming on alongside Sanfida in the second half. She brought pace and directness to the wings, stretching the Vietnamese defense and adding much-needed width to India’s attack.

Her involvement in the build-up to the goal highlighted her attacking intent and awareness.

Energetic and proactive, she added a spark on the flank and played a key role in India’s improved second-half performance.

Kaviya P. – 5/10

Kaviya was introduced late in the second half but didn’t have enough time to make a significant impact on the game. She looked steady in her brief cameo and kept things simple.

While she didn’t make any notable mistakes, there were also no defining moments from her performance. Overall, an average appearance without much influence on the final outcome.

Lynda Kom Serto – N/A

Lynda Kom Serto was introduced very late in the match and didn’t have enough minutes on the pitch to properly assess her performance.

With limited involvement and little opportunity to influence the game, it would be unfair to judge her contribution in this fixture.

Vietnam Women’s National Football Team Player Ratings (by Preethi)

TRAN THI KIM THANH — 7/10

Calm and experienced presence at the back. Had little to do in the opening spell as Vietnam controlled possession but was tested more frequently after India’s resurgence.

Couldn’t do much about the equalizer. Distribution was safe rather than adventurous, prioritizing control despite having an injury

LE THI DIEM MY — 6.5/10

Strong and assertive in central defense. Won key duels and showed good positional awareness when India attempted to break quickly.

Read the game well for most of the contest, though the defensive line momentarily lost cohesion during the equalizing phase.

TRAN THI THU THAO — 6.5/10

Composed in possession and comfortable stepping into midfield to initiate build-up play. Maintained defensive discipline for large stretches but was slightly caught out during India’s goal sequence.

TRAN THI DUYEN — 6.5/10

Provided width from deeper areas and supported attacks when possible. Defensively alert and tracked runners effectively.

Limited attacking output in the second half as India grew in confidence.

THAI THI THAO — 7/10

Energetic and tactically intelligent. Balanced defensive responsibilities with forward movement. Helped stretch India’s shape and kept transitions flowing smoothly.

Faded slightly late on but remained influential.

DUONG THI VAN — 6.5/10

Worked tirelessly in midfield. Pressed effectively and disrupted India’s rhythm, particularly in the first half. Showed composure on the ball and kept passing sequences ticking over.

NGUYEN THI BICH THUY — 7/10

One of Vietnam’s most composed performers. Dictated tempo and provided smart distribution between the lines.

Played a key role in controlling the game early on and was instrumental in building momentum toward Vietnam’s goal.

CU THI HUYNH NHU — 7/10

She was constantly linking the midfield and attack but struggled to impose herself consistently once India increased the tempo in the second half.

Still contributed defensively and maintained structure.

NGAN THI VAN SU — 8 /10

A constant attacking outlet. Direct running and pace troubled India’s backline throughout. She broke the deadlock with Vietnam’s goal. She looked like one of the most dangerous players on the pitch as she constantly took shots even from distance disrupting the defense and ended up scoring both the goals for Vietnam

NGUYEN THI THANH NHA — 7/10

She had sharp movement and intelligent positioning in advanced areas. She also supported the captain well and made penetrating runs that stretched India’s defense.

She had energetic pressing from the front.

HUYNH NHU (C) — 7.5 /10

She led the team by example. She not only had intelligent movement, clever hold-up play, and composure in attacking situations. In the second remained Vietnam’s most composed threat in the final third.

Combined leadership with technical quality, especially during tense moments after India’s equalizer

Substitutions

NGUYEN THI HOA — 6.5/10

Introduced to reinforce the defensive structure. Showed good positional awareness and made a couple 

TRAN THI HAI LINH — 6.5/10

Slotted in confidently and maintained defensive shape. Strong in short duels and composed in possession. Did not have major standout moments but provided stability at the back.

LUONG THI THU THUONG — 6/10

Came on to add fresh legs in defense. Focused primarily on containing India’s wide attacks. 

VU THI HOA — N/A

Brought energy to the front line and came in during the added time. Looked to run in behind and press aggressively. 

NGOC MINH CHUYEN — N/A

Added dynamism in attack in the added time. Nearly created a late opening but couldn’t find the decisive finish.

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