As the final whistle echoed through the 700th Anniversary of Chiang Mai Stadium on July 5, 2025, Sangita Basfore collapsed to her knees, tears streaming down her face. The Blue Tigresses had just clinched a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Thailand, securing their place in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026. It was a moment that will forever be etched in the annals of Indian football history.
For the first time ever, the Indian women’s national team successfully navigated the treacherous waters of qualification for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup. Their last appearance in 2003 had come without the need for qualifiers, and their 2022 campaign as hosts was tragically cut short due to a COVID outbreak. This time, however, it was pure grit, determination, and skill that propelled them to glory.
And who else but Sangita Basfore, the indefatigable midfield maestro, to lead the charge? Her heroic brace—one in each half (28th and 74th minutes)—was the catalyst for India’s triumph in a nail-biting, winner-takes-all Group B clash. Chatchawan Rodthong’s equalizer for Thailand in the 47th minute momentarily silenced the Indian bench, but Basfore’s clinching second goal reignited the fire, sealing the deal and booking India’s ticket to Australia.
The match began with Thailand asserting their dominance, backed by a roaring home crowd. They controlled possession and peppered India’s defense with chances. In the 15th minute, Pattaranan Aupachai’s cutback found Jiraporn Mongkoldee, whose effort was brilliantly saved by Elangbam Panthoi Chanu. Moments later, Mongkoldee rattled the crossbar with a long-range strike, leaving the Indian supporters holding their breath.
But the Blue Tigresses showed remarkable resilience. They absorbed the pressure, regrouped, and struck against the run of play. In the 28th minute, Anju Tamang carved open the Thai defense down the right flank before setting up Basfore, who unleashed a thunderous shot into the top corner—a goal worthy of the occasion.
Three minutes later, Pyari Xaxa came inches away from doubling India’s lead, but her attempt was thwarted by Thai goalkeeper Tiffany Sornpao. Thailand responded with vigor, and Mongkoldee’s audacious lob almost caught Panthoi off her line, but the Indian custodian recovered just in time to avert the danger.
The second half started disastrously for India as Chatchawan Rodthong’s speculative cross from the left looped into the net, leveling the score. Thailand pressed forward, and Karnjanathat Phomsri’s fierce strike rattled the crossbar in the 56th minute. Lady Luck, however, was not on their side.
India, undeterred, kept their composure. In the 74th minute, Nirmala Devi’s pinpoint corner found Shilky Devi Hemam, who squared the ball for an unmarked Basfore. With ice in her veins, the midfielder nodded home from close range, sending the Indian bench into delirium.
Thailand threw everything forward in search of an equalizer, but India’s defense stood tall. Every tackle, every block, every clearance was met with roars of approval from the traveling fans. When the final whistle sounded, history had been made. The Blue Tigresses had not only qualified for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup but also ended Thailand’s long-standing qualification streak, marking their first-ever victory against the hosts.
The significance of this triumph cannot be overstated. For the players, the coaching staff, and the fans, it was the culmination of years of hard work and belief. Now, with their eyes firmly set on Australia, the Blue Tigresses have their sights on an even bigger prize—a maiden FIFA Women’s World Cup qualification in 2027.
But for now, the night belongs to Sangita Basfore and her fearless teammates, who have not only made history but also inspired a nation to dream bigger.
India 2 (Sangita Basfore 29’, 74’)
beat
Thailand 1 (Chatchawan Rodthong 47’)
India: Elangbam Panthoi Chanu (GK), Ngangbam Sweety Devi (C), Phanjoubam Nirmala Devi, Hemam Shilky Devi, Sangita Basfore, Nongmaithem Ratanbala Devi, Sanju, Anju Tamang (Malavika 90+2’), Pyari Xaxa (Lynda Kom Serto 81’), Manisha Kalyan, Rimpa Haldar (Dangmei Grace 55’).
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