India vs Thailand: Sangita's screamer, Blue Tigresses' qualify for Asian Cup after 22 years & other talking points

India secured a thrilling 2-1 victory against Thailand

The Indian Women’s Football Team were playing one of the most important games in recent history earlier today. The Blue Tigress had a shot at history tonight as a win against Thailand would have taken them to the premier competition in Asian football, the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026, after a long wait of 22 years.

This was the final group-stage fixture for both teams. Both Thailand and India won all of their previous three games and were levelled on nine points and a similar +22 goal difference before the match commenced. This was a must-win game for both teams as only the winner advanced to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026.

The match began with Thailand exerting their dominance from the first minute. They were fueled by the local support from the home crowd on the 700th anniversary of the Chiang Mai Stadium. Sangita’s screamer had put India ahead in the game, and the Blue Tigress held onto their slender lead in the first 45 minutes.

Chatchawan’s cross in the 47th minute went into the back of the net as Thailand equalised within the first few minutes of the second half. After the home team scored, they kept pushing hard for the winner. But a brilliant header from Sangitha took India back in the front seat.

The Blue Tigress sealed the fate of the game as India won the match 2-1 against Thailand. After 22 years, history was made as the Indian Women’s Football Team qualified for the AFC Asian Cup 2026. Tears of joy and emotions in the Indian camp were vivid as Crispin Chhetri’s girls made the nation prouder tonight.

5. Woodwork denied Thailand twice from scoring

For the first team in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers, India’s defence was tested so much. The Thai girls ran riot in the first 20 minutes of the game, and a valorous attempt from Jiraporn Mongkoldee almost found the back of the net. But the woodwork denied Thailand breaking the deadlock in the 18th minute.

After Thailand scored the equaliser, they kept pushing hard for the equaliser. Karnjanathat’s shot was denied by the woodwork once again as India were lucky not to concede twice. East Bengal’s Panthoi breathed a sigh of relief as she was exposed to constant threats from the Thailand strikers.

4. Sangita’s brace wrote its legend in golden ink

In a must-win game for India to qualify for the AFC Asian Cup, Sangita Basfore emerged as the golden girl for the Women in Blue. Her volley had put India ahead in the 28th minute. She was a live wire for the Blue Tigress tonight as she kept Sornpao busy throughout the entirety of ninety minutes.

Her header in the last fifteen minutes was enough to restore India’s lead and book their tickets to Australia. The 28-year-old girl from Kalyani brought immense joy and happiness to the Indian football fraternity as her brace made history for India.

3. Crispin Chhetri’s tactical brilliance saw India win the game

The 50-year-old mastermind from North Bengal, who won the Indian Women’s League with Odisha FC, was appointed the coach of the Indian women’s team. After taking over the reins, he worked tooth and nail with the girls before the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers.

His smart substitutions, selecting a balanced squad with a mix of young blood and experience, all paid off as the Blue Tigress defeated every team in the qualifiers to make their way to the AFC Asian Cup 2026.

2. A tight Indian defence held their nerves until the final whistle

Thailand took 22 shots in the game, of which 10 were on target. They were constantly mounting pressure on the Indian defence. Despite multiple attacks from the Thai girls, the Indian defenders stayed calm and never lost their focus and attention as the Blue Tigress held on to their slender lead.

Sweety Devi marshalled her team’s defence. Panthoi made a few mistakes but did well to deny Thailand from scoring that vital equaliser in the last few minutes.

1. India creates history by reaching the AFC Asian Cup 2026 after 22 years

At a time when the senior men’s team have been struggling to qualify for the Asian Cup 2027 and the U23 side is also going through a winless streak, the women’s team has emerged as a beacon of hope for the Indian football fraternity.

They have qualified for the AFC Asian Cup 2026, which is slated to take place in Australia next year. All eyes will be on the Blue Tigress if they can outmuscle Asian stalwarts like Japan, China, Australia, South Korea and many other teams, who will be competing for Asian honours.

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