Mugdha Das

Victory for the Ages: India secure AFC Women's Asia Cup

Digital Desk: In a moment of pure pride for India, the Indian women's team defeated Thailand 2-1 on Saturday, July 5, to qualify for the AFC Women's Asia Cup. Sangita's brace was enough for India to win the game, finish top, and qualify for the Asia Cup 2026 in Australia.

The match was tipped as a virtual knockout as both clubs entered with the same goal difference and points, having won all three games before Saturday. Sangita started the goal in the 29th minute, but Thailand's Chatchawan Rodthong equalized just after the break. With the match on the line, Sangita stepped up and nodded the ball inside the net to secure the victory.

This will be India's first debut in the AFC Asian Cup via qualifiers, having previously appeared in the continental event eight times. India last competed in the 2003 edition when qualifying was not in place. In 2022, India hosted the competition but had to withdraw because of a COVID-19 epidemic in the camp. The Asian Cup next year will serve as a qualifying tournament for the FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil in 2027.

The road to the Asia Cup just got exciting, and Team India has already become the nation's champions.