India's Brave Effort Falls Just Short Against Vietnam in AFC Women's Asian Cup
Image Source: Internet
Kolkata: India's hopes of securing a point against Vietnam in the AFC Women's Asian Cup were dashed by a stoppage-time winner in Perth on Wednesday.
The gap of 30 places in the FIFA rankings between the teams had been bridged by Sanfida Nongrum, who scored in the 52nd minute to give India a 1-0 lead.
However, Vietnam's Nguyen Ngan Van Su equalized in the 30th minute, and the match remained level until the 94th minute when Vu Thi Hoa's long ball behind the defense led to Su's winning goal.
India's head coach Amelia Valverde made crucial substitutions, including bringing on Nongrum and Rimpa Haldar at halftime, and changing the formation to help India grow in the game.
Goalkeeper Panthoi Chanu Elangbam was instrumental in preventing Vietnam from running away with the tie, making several crucial saves, including one from close range.
Despite the defeat, India will take positives from the match, having qualified for the continental championship for the first time on merit.
