India’s spirited campaign at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup suffered a dramatic setback as Vietnam struck deep into stoppage time to secure a 2-1 win in Perth. The contest at HBF Park showcased India’s resilience and tactical evolution but ended in heartbreak after conceding in the 94th minute.
Ranked 30 places below their opponents in the latest FIFA standings India matched Vietnam stride for stride for much of the encounter. The breakthrough for India came in the 52nd minute when 20 year old Sanfida Nongrum latched onto Pyari Xaxa’s perfectly weighted through ball. Staying onside the forward calmly lifted a left footed finish past goalkeeper Tran Thi Kim Thanh to level the score.
Head coach Amelia Valverde’s tactical changes played a major role in India’s resurgence. Switching formations from 4-3-3 to 4-4-2 she pushed Manisha Kalyan into a central attacking role and introduced Nongrum to add pace and directness. Later as the team sought to protect a valuable point India shifted into a compact 4-5-1 formation absorbing pressure while looking to counter.
Goalkeeper Panthoi Chanu Elangbam delivered a standout performance keeping India in contention with several crucial saves. She denied Nguyen Nha from close range and commanded her area confidently after Vietnam had taken a first half lead through Ngan Van Su’s powerful strike in the 30th minute.
Technology also influenced key moments with a Vietnamese goal ruled out for offside and a penalty decision overturned. India showed renewed confidence after equalising creating chances through Kalyan and Soumya Guguloth while limiting Vietnam’s attacking threats for much of the second half.
However as fatigue set in Vietnam found a decisive opening. A long ball into the area in the fourth minute of added time disrupted India’s defence allowing Van Su to convert from close range and seal the victory.
Despite the loss India can draw encouragement from a disciplined performance against a side that featured at the last FIFA Women’s World Cup. Having qualified for the continental tournament on merit for the first time the team displayed growth determination and tactical maturity that could prove vital in upcoming fixtures against Japan and Chinese Taipei.
