KATHMANDU: Defending champions India thrashed Pakistan women’s football team 3-0 to script a perfect start to their South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Women’s Championship 2022 campaign.
Pakistan women’s football side marked their return to the international circuit after a gap of eight years but had an unwanted comeback as the national team suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of arch-rivals India in the opening match of the SAFF Women’s Championship 2022.
The national football side had a dismal start to the anticipated clash as an own goal from skipper Maria Khan handed an early lead to the rival team before an opportunistic strike from Dangmei Grace put India ahead 2-0 after the conclusion of the first half.
In the 29th minute, India had a chance to score again, but Ranjana’s left-footed shot hit the post despite beating Shahid under the bar.
The Indian side were dominant for the majority of the match but were not able to earn a series of opportunities.
Pakistan, on the other hand, were not able to break the shackles and seemed clueless against the ruthless attack from the Indian side and instead preferred to stay back and adopt the defending strategy.
Pounding on the situation, India’s Soumya struck in the extra time and extended her side’s lead to 3-0.
Following the victory against Pakistan, India’s women’s football team have extended their unbeaten run to 27 matches and will next play Maldives on September 10.
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