Sangita Basfore’s Brace Powers India to Historic AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualification

Image Credit: AIFF

On the lush green turf of Chiang Mai’s 700th Anniversary Stadium, under the weight of history and with a nation’s hope stitched into their jerseys, the Indian women’s football team scripted a defining chapter. On July 5, 2025, they defeated hosts Thailand 2-1 in a high-pressure final qualifier to seal their place in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026 — a first-ever qualification earned purely on merit. This wasn’t just a win. It was vindication.

India, grouped alongside Thailand, Iraq, and Timor-Leste, entered this final Group B clash knowing only a win would do. Thailand, backed by a passionate home crowd and pedigree, were favourites. But it was India who rose to the occasion, and at the heart of it all stood Sangita Basfore.

In the 28th minute, with India slowly finding their rhythm after surviving an early Thai storm, Anju Tamang drove forward down the right and cut it back for Sangita at the edge of the box. One touch, and then a thunderous right-footed finish. The net bulged, and with it, Indian hearts swelled.

Thailand hit back early in the second half through an accidental equaliser — Chatchawan Rodthong’s curling cross bypassed everyone and crept into the far post. For a brief moment, the tide threatened to turn. The home side struck the woodwork twice, their chances mounting, their urgency growing.

But the Blue Tigresses held firm.

Then came the 74th minute. A well-worked corner routine saw Nirmala Devi float in a deep ball, which reached Shilky Devi Hemam. Calmly, she headed it across the six-yard box to Sangita, unmarked, waiting. The header was clinical, composed, cold-blooded.

2-1. And history began to lean India’s way.

What stood out even more than the goals was the grit. Elangbam Panthoi Chanu stood tall in goal, commanding her box and punching above her weight. Pyari Xaxa, though goalless, was relentless in pressing. Ngangom Bala Devi played the leadership role from the sidelines with emotion etched on her face. The bench erupted at every clearance, every tackle, every pass completed.

Thailand surged, but India’s defensive shape never cracked. Deep into injury time, as the stadium grew quiet and the clock became the opponent, India’s players held their nerves like seasoned warriors.

When the final whistle blew, Sangita Basfore collapsed on the turf, tears pouring out — not just from her, but from a decade of waiting. It was her night. Her brace. Her country’s moment.

For a team that had to withdraw from the 2022 edition due to a COVID outbreak despite hosting it, for a team that last played in the Asian Cup proper in 2003 without qualifying — this was new territory. No special passes. No home advantage. No second chances. Just belief, bravery, and 90 minutes of brilliant football.

Qualification means India now turn their attention to Australia in 2026, but more importantly, it signals the start of a real journey — one where World Cup 2027 becomes the new frontier.