India Triumphs Over Pakistan 5-2 in SAFF Women’s Championship 2024
Exciting Start for India
India kicked off their South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Women’s Championship 2024 campaign with a stunning 5-2 victory against Pakistan in a Group A match at the Dasharath Stadium, Kathmandu, on October 17, 2024. The Indian team, five-time champions, led 4-1 at halftime.
Milestones Achieved
This match marked a special occasion for the Indian team as captain Loitongbam Ashalata Devi made her 100th appearance, and striker Ngangom Bala Devi scored her 50th international goal, becoming the first Indian woman to achieve this feat.
Match Highlights
Grace Dangmei scored twice, while Manisha, Bala Devi, and Jyoti Chauhan each added a goal for India. Pakistan’s goals came from Suha Hirani and Kayla Marie Siddique. India has now won all four encounters against Pakistan in international matches.
Key Moments
India’s first goal came in the fifth minute, with Grace Dangmei converting a cross from Ranjana Chanu. Bala Devi’s skillful play led to Manisha’s goal in the 17th minute. Bala Devi herself scored in the 35th minute, and Grace added another in the 42nd minute. Pakistan responded with a penalty goal by Suha Hirani and another by Kayla Marie Siddique. Jyoti Chauhan sealed the win with a header in the 78th minute.
Team Lineup
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Elangbam Panthoi Chanu |
| Defenders | Sorokhaibam Ranjana Chanu, Juli Kishan, Loitongbam Ashalata Devi, Dalima Chhibber |
| Midfielders | Sangita Basfore, Naorem Priyangka Devi, Anju Tamang |
| Forwards | Grace Dangmei, Ngangom Bala Devi, Manisha |
Doubts Revealed
SAFF Women’s Championship -: SAFF Women’s Championship is a football tournament for women’s national teams in South Asia. SAFF stands for South Asian Football Federation, which organizes this event. It is a competition where countries like India, Pakistan, and others in South Asia compete in football.
Dasharath Stadium -: Dasharath Stadium is a sports stadium located in Kathmandu, Nepal. It is often used for football matches and other sports events. In this context, it is where the India vs. Pakistan match took place.
Loitongbam Ashalata Devi -: Loitongbam Ashalata Devi is an Indian football player and the captain of the Indian women’s national team. She is celebrated for her 100th appearance in international matches, which is a significant achievement for any player.
Ngangom Bala Devi -: Ngangom Bala Devi is a well-known Indian footballer who plays for the national team. She is recognized for scoring her 50th international goal, marking her as one of the top scorers in Indian women’s football.
Grace Dangmei -: Grace Dangmei is an Indian football player who plays as a forward. In this match, she scored two goals, contributing significantly to India’s victory over Pakistan.
Suha Hirani and Kayla Marie Siddique -: Suha Hirani and Kayla Marie Siddique are football players from Pakistan. They scored the two goals for Pakistan in the match against India.
