In an historic moment for women’s football in India, the Blue Tigresses beat hosts Thailand 2-1 in its fourth and final AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers Group B match at the 700th Anniversary of Chiang Mai Stadium and qualified for next year’s main event.
Sangita Basfore scored a brace to hand India a memorable win. Tears streamed down the striker’s face – tears of sheer elation and disbelief. India had just secured a gritty, hard-fought victory, sealing their qualification for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026 after 22 years.
With both teams locked on nine points each and an identical goal difference of +22 heading into the encounter, the match was a virtual playoff with the winner topping the group and qualifying for the 2026 “main event” in Australia.
As footballcounter.com noted: “This wasn’t merely a win; it was a monumental triumph. For the first time ever, the Blue Tigresses had successfully navigated a qualification campaign for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup on merit. India’s last appearance at the continental showpiece came in 2003, a time when direct entry was common. They participated again in 2022 as hosts but were cruelly forced to withdraw due to a COVID outbreak. This time, there were no exemptions — only the undeniable proof of their prowess.
“The win also ended Thailand’s long-standing Asian Cup qualification streak and, most importantly, gave India their first-ever victory against them.
“The significance wasn’t lost on anyone. For the players and coaches, it was a dream years in the making.”
AIFF announces $50k reward
The All India Football Federation on Sunday announced a reward of $50,000 for the team following their outstanding performance.
The Blue Tigresses delivered a flawless campaign — winning all four matches in convincing fashion. India recorded emphatic victories over Mongolia (13-0), Timor-Leste (4-0), and Iraq (5-0), before capping off the group stage with a crucial 2-1 win against their higher-ranked hosts.
Per the AIFF, the results “were the culmination of sustained planning and developmental efforts over the past few years. There were no shortcuts to success”.
