India’s AFC Women’s Asia Cup campaign got off to the worst possible start on Tuesday. They fell to a 2-1 defeat against Vietnam in Perth, with a late goal proving to be the difference between the two sides.
The result came just days after the squad was caught up in a jersey fiasco. The All India Football Federation had sent ill-fitting kits manufactured for age-group teams, forcing the players to source playing kits locally ahead of their tournament opener.
The Blue Tigresses arrived in Australia under a cloud of off-field uncertainty. It showed in the opening stages, with coach Amelia Valverde’s side looking sluggish and disjointed throughout the first half.
Vietnam Take Control Before VAR Rescues India
Vietnam looked the more assured side in the opening period. They were comfortable in possession and dangerous on the counter. Van Su broke the deadlock with a stunning finish, curling the ball into the top right corner after a sharp run in behind the Indian defence.
Senior players, including Manisha Kalyan, Sweety Devi and Dangmei Grace, had written an official letter to the AIFF seeking urgent intervention over the kit situation in the days leading up to the match. Despite the disruption off the pitch, India began to grow into the game after the break.
Valverde made two changes that injected fresh energy into the side. Sanfida Nongrum and Rimpa Haldar came on and immediately made their presence felt. Nongrum pulled one back shortly after coming on, finishing smartly to give India a lifeline.
India then drew level when Nongrum struck again. She converted after a foul broke kindly for her on the counter. A comeback that seemed unlikely at half-time suddenly looked very much on.
Late Sucker Punch Ends India’s Hopes
Just as India looked to be finding their footing, Van Su struck again to restore Vietnam’s lead. The forward was left unmarked and made no mistake. She punished India’s defensive lapse with a composed finish.
India pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages but could not find a way through. It was a chastening start to the tournament for the Blue Tigresses.
Attention now turns swiftly to Saturday, when India face a stern test against Japan in their second group-stage fixture.
