The much-anticipated India vs Vietnam at AFC Women’s Asian Cup clash is set to kick off the 2026 campaign for both nations in what promises to be a fiercely competitive Group C encounter. With contrasting histories, differing expectations, and renewed ambitions, the fixture at Perth Rectangular Stadium carries significant weight for both teams.
For India, this match is about redemption, resilience, and rewriting recent history. For Vietnam, it is about maintaining their upward trajectory and asserting regional dominance. While neither side enters the tournament as the outright favourite — that distinction belongs to Japan — this fixture could prove decisive in shaping the group standings.
Match Details: Vietnam vs India
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | India vs Vietnam at AFC Women’s Asian Cup |
| Date | March 4, 2025 |
| Kickoff Time | 4:30 PM IST |
| Vietnam Time | 6:00 PM |
| AWST | 7:00 PM |
| Venue | Perth Rectangular Stadium |
| Live Streaming (India) | FanCode |
Fans in India can watch the match live on FanCode, while supporters in Vietnam and Australia will tune in according to local broadcast arrangements.
The Bigger Picture: Group C Landscape
The AFC Women’s Asian Cup remains Asia’s most prestigious women’s football tournament and serves as a pathway to the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Group C features:
- Japan
- Vietnam
- Chinese Taipei
- India
Two-time Asian Cup champions and former World Cup winners Japan are widely expected to top the group. That leaves Vietnam, Chinese Taipei, and India fighting for qualification spots.
According to FIFA rankings, Vietnam are considered second-best in the group, followed by Chinese Taipei and India. However, tournament football rarely follows ranking scripts. India, despite being labelled underdogs, have shown glimpses of resilience in qualification rounds.
If India harbour ambitions of advancing, they may need to achieve something they have never done before — defeat Vietnam in a competitive fixture.
India vs Vietnam at AFC Women’s Asian Cup: History and Context
The rivalry between these two sides has been largely one-sided. India have never beaten Vietnam in a competitive international match. Their best result remains a draw, while Vietnam have consistently asserted their physical superiority and attacking pace.
The last meeting between the teams came during the AFC Olympic Qualifiers in 2023 in Tashkent, where Vietnam secured a convincing 3-1 win.
Last Meeting Summary
| Event | AFC Olympic Qualifiers 2023 |
|---|---|
| Venue | Tashkent |
| Result | Vietnam 3-1 India |
| Vietnam Scorers | Huỳnh Như (4′), Trần Thị Hải Linh (22′), Phạm Hải Yến (73′) |
| India Scorer | Sandhiya Ranganathan (80′) |
| Notable Fact | All goals scored via headers |
That game highlighted Vietnam’s aerial dominance and structured attacking approach.
Vietnam: Consistency, Experience and Evolution
Vietnam enter this tournament having qualified for their 10th consecutive Asian Cup — a testament to their stability and development.
They also made history by qualifying for their first FIFA Women’s World Cup after reaching the quarterfinals of the previous Asian Cup and defeating Thailand in a playoff.
The Mai Duc Chung Factor
The veteran tactician Mai Duc Chung has been the backbone of Vietnamese women’s football since 1997. Although he stepped down after the 2023 World Cup, he returned the following year to guide the team once more.
At 74, Chung continues to emphasise aggressive wing play, physical strength, and attacking fluidity.
However, there have been notable squad changes:
- Nguyễn Thị Tuyết Dung (retired)
- Chương Thị Kiều (omitted)
- Nguyễn Thị Vạn (injured)
Despite these absences, Vietnam boast emerging talent and experienced attackers.
Vietnam Key Players to Watch
Huỳnh Như
Vietnam’s all-time leading scorer Huỳnh Như has netted 70 international goals. At 34, this may be her final Asian Cup appearance.
She combines:
- Exceptional vision
- Clinical finishing
- Intelligent positioning
- Ability to create chances for teammates
Her aerial presence could again trouble India’s defence.
Phạm Hải Yến
A consistent goal threat and strong in the air, Hải Yến’s physical style has often overwhelmed Indian defenders.
Nguyễn Thị Thanh Nhã
Speed on the wings remains Vietnam’s biggest asset. Thanh Nhã’s acceleration and dribbling provide width and penetration.
India: A New Era Under Amelia Valverde
India approach the tournament with a fresh coaching setup led by Amelia Valverde, who took charge just two months ago.
Valverde’s résumé includes guiding Costa Rica to multiple World Cup appearances. However, questions remain about how much tactical transformation she can implement in such a short timeframe.
Former head coach Crispin Chetri remains involved within the setup, ensuring continuity.
Squad Changes and Leadership Shift
Several experienced names are absent:
- Ranjana Chanu
- Ratanbala Devi
- Sandhiya Ranganathan
- Former captain Ashalata Devi
With Ashalata missing, Sweety Devi now leads the defence and captains the side.
India have also introduced new faces, including:
- Aveka Singh (US collegiate system)
- Manisha Kalyan (playing abroad in Peru)
- Karishma Shirvoikar (replacement for injured Anju Tamang)
India’s Key Players
Manisha Kalyan
One of India’s brightest attacking talents, Manisha Kalyan is expected to be India’s primary offensive outlet.
Her strengths include:
- Explosive pace
- Technical dribbling
- Curling finishes after cutting inside
- Big-game mentality
With India likely to defend compactly and counterattack, Manisha’s speed could prove decisive.
Sweety Devi
Now captain, Sweety must marshal the backline and counter Vietnam’s aerial prowess.
Sangita Basfore
A midfield engine capable of breaking up play and launching quick transitions.
Head-to-Head Record
| Statistic | Vietnam | India |
|---|---|---|
| Games Played | 5 | 5 |
| Wins | 4 | 0 |
| Draws | 1 | 1 |
| Losses | 0 | 4 |
Vietnam’s dominance is clear, but tournament pressure can alter narratives.
Tactical Breakdown
Vietnam (3-4-3 Expected Setup)
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| GK | Trần Thị Kim Thanh |
| CB | Lê Thị Diễm My |
| CB | Trần Thị Thu |
| CB | Lương Thị Thu Thương |
| RM | Trần Thị Thu |
| CM | Nguyễn Thị Bích Thùy |
| CM | Thái Thị Thảo |
| LM | Nguyễn Thị Thanh Nhã |
| RW | Phạm Hải Yến |
| CF | Huỳnh Như |
| LW | Ngân Thị Vạn Sự |
Vietnam will likely rely on wing-backs pushing high and delivering crosses.
India (4-2-3-1 Expected Setup)
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| GK | Panthoi Chanu |
| RB | Nirmala Devi |
| CB | Sweety Devi |
| CB | Hemam Shilky Devi |
| LB | Sanju Yadav |
| DM | Martina Thokchom |
| DM | Sangita Basfore |
| RW | Soumya Gugoloth |
| AM | Dangmei Grace |
| LW | Manisha Kalyan |
| CF | Pyari Xaxa |
India’s shape suggests defensive solidity with quick counters.
What’s at Stake?
The India vs Vietnam at AFC Women’s Asian Cup match is more than just a group-stage opener:
- Victory could boost India’s World Cup qualification hopes.
- A win would mark India’s first competitive triumph over Vietnam.
- Vietnam aim to reinforce their regional superiority.
- Group C standings could shift dramatically after this fixture.
Psychological Edge
Vietnam carry the confidence of recent World Cup qualification and Asian Cup consistency. India, however, carry hunger — and sometimes that is the more dangerous weapon.
India also remember the COVID-hit 2022 campaign when they were forced to withdraw from a group match. This tournament offers redemption.
Key Tactical Battles
- Huỳnh Như vs Sweety Devi – aerial duels and positional awareness.
- Thanh Nhã vs India’s Full-backs – pace on the wings.
- Manisha Kalyan vs Vietnam’s Back Three – counterattacking threat.
- Midfield Control – Basfore vs Bích Thùy.
Prediction and Outlook
On paper, Vietnam remain favourites. Their physicality, experience, and attacking depth give them the edge.
However, if India:
- Stay compact
- Win second balls
- Defend crosses effectively
- Capitalise on counterattacks
They could disrupt expectations.
A draw would already represent progress. A win would be historic.
Also read: Alex Eala Secures First WTA 1000 Win of the Season After Hailey Baptiste Retires in Dubai
Conclusion:
The India vs Vietnam at AFC Women’s Asian Cup encounter is shaping up to be one of the most compelling early fixtures of the tournament. For Vietnam, it is about sustaining momentum. For India, it is about belief and breakthrough.
Under new leadership, with a reshaped squad and renewed ambition, India’s women’s football team stands at a crossroads. Perth may well be the stage where a new chapter begins.
Whether it ends in celebration or heartbreak, one thing is certain — this fixture will test character, discipline, and ambition on Asia’s biggest stage.
The journey in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup starts here.
