Players in India’s squad were left sourcing makeshift uniforms and facing embarrassment, and local supporters felt the sting of a narrow defeat Wednesday at 9: 14 a. m. ET when India conceded late to lose 2-1 to Vietnam in the Asia Cup opener in Perth.
India players and Perth fans dealt immediate fallout from kit debacle
The Blue Tigresses had to find replacement kits locally three days before the opening match after the All India Football Federation supplied uniforms in youth sizes, leaving the squad wearing plain, makeshift shirts on the pitch. Fans at the Perth Rectangular Stadium chanted and maintained a lively atmosphere despite the dull kits, and Curtin University student Sanskar Vyas said the crowd support remained strong even after the loss.
Ngân Thị Vạn Sự’s late strike seals Vietnam win at HBF Park
Vietnam’s Ngân Thị Vạn Sự scored the decisive goal in the fourth minute of stoppage time to complete a brace and hand India a 2-1 defeat at HBF Park. Sanfida Nongrum had equalised for India in the 52nd minute, while Vạn Sự opened the scoring in the 30th minute with a curled effort; the small crowd of 1, 961 fans erupted after the 94th-minute winner.
AIFF oversight casts shadow over India’s Asia Cup campaign
The kit error — uniforms sent in youth sizes — is the latest logistical failure tied to the All India Football Federation and highlights administrative strains that surrounded the team’s qualification. India reached the tournament with an away win over Thailand, but the squad now faces a stiffer path in Group C after the loss to Vietnam.
India enter the group as world No. 63 and are the lowest-ranked side in Group C, meaning the margin for error is slim; a quarter-finals finish is required to remain in contention for a ticket to Brazil 2027. Sweety Devi, India’s captain, had asked Perth’s Indian community to show up and several supporters like Pruthiraj Patra attended to watch the Blue Tigresses live for the first time.
Vietnam dominated possession for stretches and tested India early, with Nguyễn Thị Bích Thùy hitting the crossbar in the 14th minute and forcing repeated defensive responses. VAR disallowed a second Vietnam goal in the 48th minute for offside, but Vạn Sự’s persistence paid off late and secured all three points for the 36th-ranked visitors.
India’s players managed to keep focus on the field despite the off-field turmoil and the nation’s broader football governance issues, including a delayed top men’s competition tied to federation problems. Still, the on-field result makes India’s route to the knockout rounds tougher, with upcoming matches against Japan and Chinese Taipei looming in Group C.
If India reaches the quarter-finals, they would remain in contention for qualification to Brazil 2027.
