Kathmandu: Defending champions India started the SAFF Women’s Championship with a winning note as they defeated Pakistan 2-0. India extends its unbeaten run to 27 matches in the Championship.
Dominating first half
An own goal from Pakistan captain, Maria Jamil Khan along with an super strike from Dangmei Grace in the first-half almost settled the issue in favour of India. A late goal from Soumya Gaguloth completed the rout in added time.
India dominated throughout the game. However, despite the domination, the opening goal for India in 15th minute was a just lucky one, an own goal from rival captain Maria Jamila Khan. Sandhiya, operating down the left, sent in a cross which goalkeeper Shahid Bukhari managed to get a hand to while diving to her left. The rebound hit onrushing Maria’s leg and rolled into the net.
The second goal, came straight out of the drawing board. Receiving the ball outside the box, Anju, caught in between a jungle of legs, set it up for an unmarked Dangmei Grace with her left foot. Grateful, Grace received it, and slipped it between Shahid and the near post to give India a 2-0 lead.
India keeps pressing
India earned their first corner in the 55th minute. Cutting off the counter, Pakistan earned a free-kick outside the Indian box. However, Indian goalkeeper Aditi Chauhan collected Maria’s shot with effortless ease.
#BlueTigresses 🐯 blank Pakistan 🇵🇰 to get off to a winning start 💪🏼
Read 👉🏼 https://t.co/DlZqRBXJFx#INDPAK ⚔️ #SAFFWomens2022 🏆 #BackTheBlue 💙 #ShePower 👧 #IndianFootball ⚽ pic.twitter.com/OqKiLYcqIX
— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) September 7, 2022
Handling the peer pressure, Pakistan were not able to break the attacks and go all out for attack. Nevertheless, they preferred to stay back and defend. Only Zulfia Nazir kept waiting upfront around the centre circle.
Soumya made it 3-0 in added time, clinically finishing Ranjana’s cross from the left.
India next play Maldives on September 10 (Saturday).
