Defending titleholders India got off to a winning launch in the SAFF Women’s Championship as the Blue Tigress defeated Pakistan 3- 0 at the Dasarath Stadium in Kathmandu on Wednesday. It took an own thing by rival captain Maria Jamil Khan to break the impasse and Dangmei Grace's strike in the first half helped India double their lead in the first- half. Soumya Gaguloth also finished the proceedings with a late thing in added time.
The Blue Tigresses put up a dominant show throughout the 90 twinkles, playing the ball substantially through the sides, and Anju Tamang being universal in the middle, and making clinical passes transferring to the strikers.
The first thing, which fell in India’s way was scored in the 15th nanosecond. Sandhiya, operating down the left wing, transferred in a cross which goalkeeper Shahid Bukhari managed to get a hand to while diving to her left wing. The answer hit onrushing Maria’s leg and rolled into the net.
The alternate thing scored by Grace saw Anju admit the ball at the edge of the box. She also set it for an unmarked Grace with her left bottom, who blasted it at the near post to give India a 2- 0 lead.
India came near to adding another in the 29th nanosecond, but indeed as Ranjana’s left footer beat Shahid under the bar, it hit the post.
The Indians continued their dominance in the alternate half and continued to press their opponent, who failed to produce any peril. rather, Pakistan substantially defended with Zulfia Nazir staying for the ball alone near to the partial line.
Soumya made it 3- 0 in added time, clinically finishing Ranjana’s cross from the left wing.
India will next play Maldives on September 10.