Etched In Glory: Blue Tigresses Create History With AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualification
On the night of July 5, 2025, in the 700th Anniversary Stadium, bright and shiny in Chiang Mai, the moment which has been immortalised in the history books of Indian women’s sport, happened as Sangita Basfore, who had tears in her eyes, and the Blue Tigresses had made history by securing their first-ever qualification to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup through merit.
The Blue Tigresses secured the massively historic qualification on wouldn’t be an easy match by defeating Thailand 2-1 and qualifying for the next AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026 was a groundbreaking and positive time in the nation’s era of women’s football. This wasn’t a wildcard or a host advantage — it was pure grit, talent, and belief.
India’s last two appearances at the tournament were either as a direct invitee (in 2003) or as hosts (in 2022), the latter of which ended in heartbreak after a COVID outbreak forced the team’s withdrawal. But this time was different. This time, the Indian women’s team qualified on the strength of their own performance — and in doing so, broke new ground.
At the heart of this historic win stood Sangita Basfore, the relentless midfield warrior. She delivered a stunning brace — scoring in both the 28th and 74th minutes — to lead India to a victory that stunned the home crowd and shattered Thailand’s long-standing qualifying streak.
Thailand had the early edge, backed by thousands of supporters. India controlled the game possession and had opportunities, but India were determined. Elangbam Panthoi Chanu was called upon to make great saves in the first half and the defence stood tall, despite the mounting pressure.
Then the tide turned. A smart buildup started by Anju Tamang, found Sangita with the ball. Sangita executed a precision strike from just inside the box and blistered the ball by the Thai goalkeeper, igniting celebrations in the Indian camp. Although, Thailand equalized early in the second half through a freak goal by Chatchawan Rodthong, the Blue Tigresses did not blink.
Thailand pressed as they searched for the go-ahead goal and even hit the post on two occasions; but India held firm. When Nirmala Devi swung in the corner in the 74th minute, Shilky Devi calmly set up Sangita for the winner – enabling her to nod it home. This was not just a winning goal, it was years of consistent practice, resilience, discipline and stories of struggle and aspiration all wrapped into one.
For a side that has often been a bit of an afterthought in the sport, this win was bigger than just a ticket to a championship on the continental stage, it was a statement. It is about making space and claiming presence; about showing that Indian women can compete at the highest level in international sport.
As the team celebrated, the moment was even bigger than the team might have realized at that time. This win represented more than just a game for those players. It represented a new narrative. It is about inspiring a new generation of girls to put on boots and dream. With their eyes now set on the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027, the Blue Tigresses are roaring louder than ever.
For now, the night belongs to Sangita Basfore and every woman who dared to believe. India’s daughters have arrived — and they’re here to stay.
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