Perth, 4 March 2026 – Ngan Thi Van Su scored twice to lead Vietnam to a 2–1 victory over India in their Group C opener at the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup on March 4, a tournament that also serves as qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
With powerhouse Japan also in the group, Vietnam’s realistic objective was to compete with India and Chinese Taipei for second place. Therefore, coach Mai Duc Chung and his players entered the match at Perth Rectangular Stadium determined to secure all three points.
Vietnam fielded a strong and experienced starting lineup, led by captain Huynh Nhu alongside key players such as Thai Thi Thao, Nguyen Thi Thanh Nha, Ngan Thi Van Su, and Nguyen Bich Thuy. After a cautious opening spell, Vietnam began to create chances. In the 14th minute, Bich Thuy struck the crossbar with a long-range effort. Moments later, Huynh Nhu tested goalkeeper Elangbam Panthoi Chanu from a tight angle but could not find the net. Soon after, the veteran forward slipped a pass through for Bich Thuy, whose attempt was smothered by the Indian goalkeeper.
Vietnam finally broke the deadlock in the 30th minute. Bich Thuy beat the offside trap and set up Thai Thi Thao, who delivered a clever through pass for Van Su. The 24-year-old forward calmly curled the ball into the top corner to score her 12th international goal in 24 appearances.
India, although largely defensive, still posed occasional threats. In the 41st minute, Pyari Xaxa broke into the penalty area and faced goalkeeper Kim Thanh. After her initial effort was blocked, she had another chance in front of an open goal but sent the ball over the crossbar.
Vietnam nearly doubled their lead before halftime when Huynh Nhu was put through on goal, but the experienced striker lost control of the ball at a crucial moment, allowing Chanu to collect it.
Early in the second half, coach Mai Duc Chung introduced Pham Hai Yen for Huynh Nhu, and the substitute quickly influenced the game. However, a goal from Thai Thi Thao was ruled out after a VAR review confirmed she had been offside.
Vietnam were then stunned when India equalized. A poor clearance from Duong Thi Van unintentionally created a chance for Sanfida Nongrum, who calmly finished past Kim Thanh to make it 1–1.
India’s youthful squad, with an average age of 24.2, began to take advantage of their speed and physical strength, putting pressure on Vietnam, whose team has the tournament’s highest average age at 27.8. Recognizing fatigue in midfield, coach Mai Duc Chung made further substitutions, bringing on Hai Linh and Vu Thi Hoa to regain control.
Vietnam gradually regained momentum and created several chances. Van Su came close in the 76th minute but was denied by Chanu, while Vu Thi Hoa missed another opportunity eight minutes later.
Just when the match appeared destined for a draw, Van Su delivered the decisive moment. In stoppage time, Vu Thi Hoa surged down the left flank and crossed into the box, allowing the 2025 Vietnam Golden Ball winner to fire home with her left foot and secure a dramatic 2–1 victory.
The result places Vietnam second in Group C behind Japan, who earlier defeated Chinese Taipei 2–0. Vietnam will face Chinese Taipei on March 7 in their next match.
The 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup takes place from March 1 to 21 across three Australian cities: Sydney, Perth, and Gold Coast. Twelve teams are divided into three groups, with the top two teams from each group and the two best third-placed teams advancing to the quarterfinals. The four semifinalists will automatically qualify for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, while additional play-off matches will determine the remaining qualification spots.
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