Blue Tigresses Stunned in Stoppage Time as Vietnam Snatch 2-1 Win in Asian Cup Opener

Image: AIFF

The Blue Tigresses began their AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026 campaign with heartbreak, conceding deep into injury time to suffer a 2-1 defeat against Vietnam in their Group C opener at the Perth Rectangular Stadium.

Nguyen Thi Van Su proved decisive, scoring once in each half, including the dramatic winner in the fourth minute of stoppage time. India’s bright spark came through debutant Sanfida Nongrum, who marked her first senior appearance with a well-taken equaliser early in the second half.

Vietnam’s Early Control

Vietnam dominated possession from the outset, pressing high and forcing India into a compact defensive shape. Goalkeeper Panthoi Chanu Elangbam was called into action early, denying Van Su in the opening exchanges.

India’s first real chance came in the eighth minute when Dangmei Grace cushioned a high ball into the path of Sangita Basfore. With space to strike, Sangita connected cleanly but directed her half-volley straight at Tran Thi Kim Thanh.

A defensive lapse in the 14th minute nearly cost India dearly. Nguyen Thi Bich Thuy capitalised on a mispass and rattled the crossbar from the edge of the box. Vietnam were knocking, and India were holding.

Panthoi produced another sharp save in the 27th minute to deny Bich Thuy at the near post. But moments later, the resistance broke. Thai Thi Thao released Van Su, who curled a composed finish into the net from just inside the area to give Vietnam a deserved lead in the 30th minute.

The Turning Point

India head coach Amelia Valverde acted at the break, introducing Sanfida Nongrum and Rimpa Haldar. The decision changed the rhythm of the game.

Vietnam briefly thought they had doubled the lead in the 49th minute, but VAR ruled Thai Thi Thao offside.

India responded almost immediately.

Rimpa’s burst down the left unsettled the Vietnamese defence. Though the initial ball was cleared, it fell kindly to Sanfida. The debutant reacted instinctively and struck a powerful left-footed effort past Kim Thanh to level the scores in the 52nd minute.

Confidence flowed through the Indian ranks.

Rimpa delivered a dangerous cross that Pyari Xaxa headed goalwards, only to be denied. Minutes later, Sanfida rose again, this time sending a header over from a Nirmala Devi delivery.

Late Twist

Vietnam gradually regained control down the flanks, probing patiently. Panthoi stood tall once more, producing a crucial save from Van Su in the 76th minute.

India nearly found a dramatic winner themselves in stoppage time. Manisha Kalyan’s long-range free-kick was parried by Kim Thanh, and substitute Kaviya Pakkirisamy chased the rebound, but the goalkeeper reacted just in time.

Then came the decisive blow.

In the 94th minute, substitute Vi Thi Hoa cut the ball back into the box. Van Su arrived unmarked and slotted home calmly to complete her brace and break Indian hearts.

A Performance with Promise

The result hurts. But there were positives. Sanfida’s debut goal. Rimpa’s impact. Panthoi’s resilience under pressure. And stretches in the second half where India pushed Vietnam back and looked in control.

At this level, margins are thin. One lapse, one loose marking, one moment late in the game and it changes everything.