India vs Vietnam (Photo by @afcasiancup on X) NEW DELHI: India opened their Women’s Asian Cup campaign with a narrow 2-1 defeat of Vietnam in a dramatic Group C encounter on Wednesday. Ngân Thi Van Su put Vietnam ahead in the 30th minute, curling a right-footer into the top corner. Vietnam almost made it 2-0 early in the second half, but VAR ruled out a handball goal in the build-up.
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India responded quickly, equalizing just four minutes later when substitute Sanfida Nongrum cut in from a counter-attack and lifted the ball over the keeper. The game looked headed for a draw until the break when Vu Thi Hoa’s cross from the left went wide and Van Su fired the winner through the defender’s legs. It marked a disappointment for India, who also faced setbacks in the 2022 edition when they were forced to withdraw as hosts due to an outbreak of COVID-19 in their team. In the other Group C match, Japan secured a 2-0 win over Taiwan, but had to be patient. Despite dominating almost 90% of possession and scoring 30 shots, Japan struggled to break through a resolute defense for more than an hour. Momoko Tanikawa finally opened the scoring in the 61st minute after controlling a long pass and calmly finishing from close range. Kiko Seike’s well-timed header sealed the win in stoppage time. Taiwan couldn’t get a shot on goal but kept the score close. With temperatures rising to 37 °C (99 °F), officials allowed cooling timeouts in both halves.Elsewhere, Australia, South Korea, North Korea and China also got off to a winning start to the tournament as all 12 teams completed their opening matches in Australia.
