Sangita Basfore eyes FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 berth after firing India to AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026

Sangita Basfore’s brace helped India qualify for AFC Women’s Asian Cup after 23 years.

Amidst hopelessness and despair among the Indian football fraternity, the Indian Women’s football team, led by Crispin Chettri, etched their names in golden letters in the history book after the Blue Tigress qualified for the AFC Women’s Asia Cup 2026, which is slated to take place in Australia.

The Blue Tigress were placed in Group B alongside hosts Thailand, Iraq, Mongolia and Timor Leste. They managed to defeat every single team in the qualifier round to penetrate into the group stages of the AFC Asian Cup 2026, where the best teams from the continent.

In a must-win game against hosts Thailand, the 28-year-old Sangita Basfore, the girl from Kalyani, scored a brace to help India win their final group stage fixture to emerge as the table toppers of Group B.

Sangita on India’s chances of qualifying for World Cup 2027

Post a historic win against Thailand, teary-eyed Sangita reaffirmed that their primary target has always been to secure that coveted spot in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027. She has been a creative engine in the attack for the Blue Tigress throughout India’s qualifier campaign.

She said, “The feeling is unnatural. Our main focus is qualifying for the Women’s World Cup 2027. We were never playing for the AFC Asian Cup; our target has been the World Cup. We have slim chances, but I can feel that with our hard work and preparations, we can make that happen.”

To directly qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, the Blue Tigress must finish among the top two in their group. Even if they finish as the two best-ranked third teams, they will still have a shot at the Women’s World Cup by playing the Inter Confederation playoffs.

Sangita Basfore lauds teamwork for the win against Thailand

Sangita Basfore’s brace in the game against Thailand was the differentiating factor. She stepped up for her country when it mattered the most. Her first goal was poetry in motion after that volley pierced its way into the opposition’s net. Her late second goal was enough to take India to the AFC Asian Cup 2026.

She said, “Firstly, it took me some time to realise that I scored the goal. I was just aiming to put that ball behind the net. Even the second goal, where Shillky flicked on the header, was perfect. The credit goes to the entire team. Everyone has really worked hard, and the credit goes to the entire team for this win. Our efforts in the last 45-50 days have finally paid off”

Sunil Chhetri’s message always motivated Sangita

Sangita Basfore feels that words of wisdom and motivation from the Captain, Leader, and Legend Sunil Chhetri have always inspired her and the other players in the women’s team. She stated how the Indian legend reminded them of their purpose of playing football.

She said, “Sunil sir has really motivated us a lot. He came and reminded us why we started playing football as a child. That was always going in my mind. It struck me deeply, and whenever I felt like giving up, I always remembered that. Even though I am in my final few days of playing football, I want to represent my country at the World Cup before hanging up my boots.”

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