Wednesday, November 13

India down Pakistan in SAFF opener

Subas Humagain, Kathmandu

India started strong with a 5-2 victory over Pakistan in their first match of the SAFF Women’s Championship at Dasharath Stadium, earning 3 important points.

India took an early lead, going up 4-0 within the first half. However, Pakistan fought back, scoring a penalty in injury time of the first half and adding another goal early in the second half. Despite creating constant pressure in India’s box, Pakistan couldn’t make most of those chances.

India’s first goal came in the 5th minute when Grace Dangmei scored from outside the penalty area, beating the goalkeeper Nisha Ashraf. In the 17th minute, Manisha doubled the lead with a smooth finish after exchanging passes with Bala Devi.

India added two more goals in the first half. Bala Devi scored in the 36th minute from an indirect free kick, which was her 50th goal for India. Grace Dangmei scored again in the 43rd minute after the goalkeeper failed to control the ball.

Pakistan scored their first goal through a penalty by Suha Hirani just before the end of the first half. They added a second goal in the second half when Kayla Siddiqui scored in the 46th minute.

Despite creating several chances, Pakistan couldn’t score again, and India sealed the game in the 78th minute with a header from Jyoti Chauhan off a corner by Dalima Chhibber.

The match was special for India skipper Ashalata Devi as she became the first women footballer in India to reach 100th cap.

India now has 3 points, while Maldives and Sri Lanka will play next at 1:30 PM on Friday, followed by Nepal and Bhutan at 5:30 PM.

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