AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026: Starting XI concerns, defensive gaps & other talking points from Vietnam vs India

India loses to Vietnam in AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 opener.

India women’s national football team produced a spirited display against higher-ranked Vietnam women’s national football team but suffered a narrow injury-time defeat.

The Blue Tigresses showed immense character, fighting back from behind to equalize and pushing their opponents all the way in what was Amelia Valverde’s first official game in charge.

Despite the late setback, India can hold their heads high after a brave and disciplined performance.

Let us take a look at the key talking points from the game.

Starting XI concerns

The initial lineup sparked debate, particularly in key areas of the pitch. Certain combinations lacked chemistry, and balance between attack and midfield control appeared slightly off.

Starting Manisha Kalyan on the left felt like a strange decision. It kept her away from the areas where she is most dangerous, and India struggled to get her properly involved.

On top of that, going in with just two central midfielders left the team exposed. Vietnam found too much space in the middle and controlled large parts of the first half.

The shift just before half-time of moving Manisha into a more central role, made an immediate difference. India looked sharper, more connected and far more threatening.

Grace and Soumya had disappointing outings and couldn’t really stamp their authority on the game. But the second-half pairing of Silky and Sangita as a pivot looked much more solid.

They brought calmness, better positioning and helped India finally gain some control in midfield.

In hindsight, starting Lynda Kom Serto and opting for a 4-4-2 might have given India better balance from the beginning, especially against a technically strong Vietnamese side.

Defensive uncertainty and avoidable errors prove costly for India

The backline continues to worry for India women’s national football team. Martina and Sanju both had tough games and never really looked settled in their roles. There were moments of hesitation, poor positioning and a lack of understanding that Vietnam were quick to exploit.

With a massive test coming up against Japan women’s national football team, this is something that has to be sorted out quickly.

What makes it more frustrating is that both goals conceded were avoidable.

They did not come from unstoppable play, but from a series of individual mistakes. At this level, even small errors get punished and India learned that the hard way.

India made a couple of mistakes inside their own box which were not converted by Vietnam and called offside, or else the scoreline could have been more frustrating for India.

Incapability to deal with Vietnam’s pressing

India looked completely dominated in midfield for large parts of the first half. During build-up, they struggled to cope with Vietnam’s intense off-the-ball pressure as well as their aggression on the ball.

Passing lanes were quickly closed, touches were rushed and India rarely looked comfortable playing out from the back.

They also found it difficult to win second balls, which meant Vietnam kept sustaining pressure and recycling possession.

Even aerially, India struggled to assert themselves, losing key duels and allowing Vietnam to regain control too easily.

Valverde’s substitutions sparked India’s comeback

Amelia Valverde’s half-time substitutions worked well and helped swing the momentum. Both changes were involved in the equalizer, brilliantly finished by Sanfida Nongrum, whose intensity showed the standard required at this level. And the involvement of Rimpa Haldar in the goal was key as well.

That said, a case can be made that a few of those changes could have been introduced earlier, especially with India struggling to gain control in the first half.

Young guns shine with never give up spirit

There were plenty of positives for India despite the result. Several young players showed real character, and the team as a whole kept fighting right until the final whistle.

Sanfida Nongrum and Rimpa Haldar, in particular, changed the tempo and energy of the game when they came on. Their intensity, directness and willingness to take responsibility lifted the side and gave India fresh belief.

That never-give-up attitude is something India can build on heading into the massive challenge against Japan. There are lessons to learn, but also genuine promise to take forward.

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