India Triumphs Over Thailand 2-1 in AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers

The AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers 2025 delivered a night to remember as India edged past Thailand with a 2-1 victory. With both teams eyeing a spot in Asia’s premier women’s football tournament, the stakes were sky-high. Indian fans had plenty to cheer about as their team displayed grit, skill, and determination to clinch three crucial points.

India Triumphs Over Thailand 2-1 in AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers
India Triumphs Over Thailand 2-1 in AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers; PC: IndianFootball

India vs Thailand: Match Overview

The contest between India and Thailand was billed as one of the most anticipated clashes in the group stage of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers. Both teams came into the game with strong squads and plenty to prove.

Key Match Details

Date: July 5, 2025

Venue: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi

Final Score: India 2, Thailand 1

First Half: India’s Early Dominance

India started the match with high intensity, pressing Thailand deep into their own half. The home crowd’s energy seemed to fuel the Blue Tigresses, who looked sharp from the first whistle.

10th minute: India’s captain, Ashalata Devi, almost opened the scoring with a powerful header that rattled the crossbar.

18th minute: The breakthrough came when forward Manisha Kalyan latched onto a clever through ball from Indumathi Kathiresan, finishing with a clinical strike to give India a 1-0 lead.

Defensive Solidity: The Indian backline, marshaled by Ashalata Devi and Sweety Devi, kept the Thai forwards at bay, limiting their chances.

Second Half: Thailand Fights Back, India Holds On

Thailand regrouped after the break and came out looking for an equalizer. Their persistence paid off in the 57th minute when striker Kanyanat Chetthabutr capitalized on a defensive lapse to level the score at 1-1.

Turning Point: India’s Winning Goal

Just as the match seemed to be slipping away, India found another gear:

72nd minute: Substitute Renu made an instant impact, connecting with a cross from Dangmei Grace to slot home India’s second goal.

Final Minutes: Thailand pushed forward in search of another equalizer, but Indian goalkeeper Shreya Hooda pulled off two crucial saves to secure the win.

Standout Performers

Several Indian players stood out in this high-stakes encounter:

  • Manisha Kalyan: Opened the scoring and was a constant threat on the left wing.
  • Renu: Came off the bench to score the decisive goal.
  • Shreya Hooda: Made vital saves in the dying minutes to preserve India’s lead.
  • Ashalata Devi: Led by example, organizing the defense and inspiring her teammates.

What This Win Means for India

This victory puts India in a strong position in their AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers group. With three points secured against a quality opponent, the Blue Tigresses have taken a significant step towards qualification for the 2025 AFC Women’s Asian Cup.

Implications for the Group

  • India now sits atop the group standings.
  • Thailand will need to regroup quickly to keep their qualification hopes alive.
  • The result boosts India’s confidence ahead of their next fixture against Malaysia.

Match Highlights: India vs Thailand

  • Manisha Kalyan’s early goal set the tone for India.
  • Thailand’s equalizer showcased their fighting spirit.
  • Renu’s winner and Shreya Hooda’s late heroics sealed the deal for the hosts.

FAQs: AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers 2025 – India vs Thailand

1. Who scored for India in the match against Thailand?

Manisha Kalyan opened the scoring for India, and substitute Renu netted the winning goal.

2. What was the final score between India and Thailand?

India defeated Thailand 2-1 in a thrilling AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifier.

3. How does this result affect India’s qualification hopes?

The win puts India in a strong position in their group, boosting their chances of qualifying for the 2025 AFC Women’s Asian Cup.

4. Who were the standout players for India?

Manisha Kalyan, Renu, goalkeeper Shreya Hooda, and captain Ashalata Devi were among India’s top performers.

5. When is India’s next match in the qualifiers?

India’s next fixture is against Malaysia, a crucial game to further strengthen their qualification campaign.

Conclusion

India’s 2-1 victory over Thailand in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers 2025 was a testament to the team’s resilience and growing stature in Asian women’s football. With standout performances from both experienced leaders and young stars, the Blue Tigresses have sent a clear message: they mean business on the road to the Asian Cup. Fans can look forward to more exciting action as India continues its quest for continental glory.