“We did it!” India’s star for the day, Sangita Basfore, could be heard crying to her teammates after the final whistle was blown in the ‘knockout’ Women’s Asian Cup Qualifier fixture at the 700th Anniversary of Chiang Mai Stadium on Saturday.And the tears of joy in the Indian women’s eyes reflected the tall task they achieved in beating world No. 46 Thailand 2-1 in their last match of the qualifiers in Chiang Mai, Thailand, and booking a ticket to the Women’s Asian Cup 2026 in Australia.The two-time World Cuppers — boosted by a huge crowd cheering on the home side — showed their class with their trademark constant press. But the Indian defence stood strong and Basfore pounced on two of the few golden chances created by the visitors — one on either side of the break — to earn a memorable victory, India’s first against the opponents who lie 24 rungs above them on the Fifa ladder.“We played as a team and that’s why I could score the two goals and qualify for the Asian Cup,” Basfore said at the postmatch presentation.The gritty defence led by Shilky Devi Hemam, Sweety Devi, Nirmala Devi and Sanju kept the hosts at bay while Panthoi Chanu under the bar made at least two brilliant saves to keep India in the game. But it was the Indians’ day on the field as after receiving a pass from Anju Tamang outside the Thailand box, Basfore sent in a brilliant volley that left ’keeper Tiffany Sornpao flying but unable to reach the ball.Thailand came back strongly after the break as Chatchawan Rodthong equalised in the 47th minute. However, the Indian attack led by Manisha, Pyari Xaxa and Ratanbala Devi kept raiding the rival box and Basfore rose to the occasion in the 74th minute and nodded in a headed cut-back by Shilky Devi from a corner kick.
