India stunned Thailand 2-1 in a thrilling finale and secured their spot in the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026 on Saturday. Sangita Basfore netted a brilliant brace as the Blue Tigresses qualified by winning the group. India registered four wins out of four, including a victory over a higher-ranked Thailand at their home.

India had never previously qualified for the AFC Women's Asian Cup through the qualifying route. The Blue Tigresses last made it to the continent's top stage back in 2003 when there were no qualifiers. India participated in the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2022 as hosts, but had to withdraw due to a COVID-19 outbreak within the squad.

The bigger dream, of course, is to qualify for the FIFA Women's World Cup for the first time in 2027. The path to Brazil goes through Australia.

Heading into the final game, both sides were locked with identical goal differences of +22, making the encounter a must-win for both.

India had never previously beaten Thailand in women’s football. They had lost 0-1 in the Asian Games in China also, last year. Interestingly, Thailand are ranked 46th, 24 places above India.

The win capped India’s dominant run through the group stage.

They opened their campaign with a record 13-0 demolition of Mongolia, followed it up with a 4-0 win over Timor Leste, and a 5-0 victory against Iraq.

Thailand, coached by Japanese tactician Futoshi Ikeda, had also been flawless, beating the same opponents 11-0, 4-0 and 7-0, respectively, to set up a virtual knockout clash for the lone automatic qualification spot.