AFC WOMEN’S ASIAN CUP Group C: Vietnam 2-1 India
Perth: Ngan Thi Van Su struck both goals as Vietnam edged India 2-1 in their AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ Group C tie at the Perth Rectangular Stadium on Wednesday.
India thought they had salvaged a point after Sanfida Nongrum came off the bench to draw them level but Van Su struck in the fourth minute of second half added time to steal the points at the very end for Vietnam.
Vietnam signalled their intent inside the opening minute with Van Su firing wide from distance while at the other end, India tested keeper Tran Thi Kim Thanh seven minutes later through Sangita Basfore’s low drive.
The Southeast Asian side’s high press almost gave them the lead in the 14th minute when Nguyen Thi Bích Thuy beat the offside trap before rattling the woodwork from distance.
Panthoi Chanu Elangbam was put to the test again a minute later, repelling Huynh Nhu’s shot from inside the area before the India custodian was forced to come off her line to challenge an onrushing Nguyen Thị Bich Thuy.
Vietnam’s sustained pressure bore fruit at the half-hour mark after India failed to deal with Thai Thi Thao’s cross into the box, allowing Nguyen Thi Bich Thuy to tee-up Van Su to finish with a curling effort over Panthoi.
India nearly drew level in the 41st minute after Pyari Xaxa capitalised on a fumble by Vietnam keeper Tran Thi Kim Thanh but her attempt sailed over the bar.
Vietnam thought they had doubled their advantage in the 48th minute after Thai Thi Thao netted from close range, only for her effort to be ruled offside following a VAR review.
Two minutes later, India drew level, Duong Thi Van cut Pyari’s run in the centre but her clearance landed nicely for substitute Sanfida Nongrum whose looping shot saw the ball clip Tran Thi Kim Thanh’s gloves before settling in the back of the net.
A buoyant India threatened to go ahead through Pyari and Sanfida while at the other end, Panthoi had to be sharp to deny Van Su from inside the box.
Van Su, however, was not to be denied glory as she capitalised after India failed to clear Vu Thi Hoa’s cross, with the midfielder producing a sublime finish to seal the win.
Vietnam meet Chinese Taipei on Saturday with India facing a stiff challenge against two-time winners Japan.
