Van Su double gives Vietnam 2-1 win over India in Women’s Asian Cup opener

Vietnam took the lead in the 30th minute when Van Su curled a left-footed shot into the far corner after receiving a pass from Thai Thi Thao, with India goalkeeper Elangbam Panthoi Chanu unable to stop the effort.

India equalized in the 52nd minute when Sanfida Nongrum scored from the left after a defensive touch by Duong Thi Van inadvertently set up the chance, beating Vietnam goalkeeper Tran Thi Kim Thanh.

Vietnam pressed for a winner and restored the lead deep into stoppage time, with Vu Thi Hoa racing down the left before crossing for Van Su to score in the 90+4th minute.

In the other Group C match, Japan beat Taiwan 2-0.

The result left Japan top of the group with three points and a +2 goal difference, ahead of Vietnam on the same points with a +1 difference, while India are third and Taiwan bottom.

The Vietnam Football Federation awarded the women’s team a VND500 million (US$19,068) bonus following the opening-day win over India.

The 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, held in Australia from March 1 to 21, is divided into three groups.

The top two teams in each group and the two best third-placed sides will advance to the quarterfinals.

From the quarterfinal stage, six teams will qualify directly for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, with the remaining two places decided by play-offs.

Vietnam qualified for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup through the Asian Cup pathway.