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India made a stunning start to their SAFF Women’s Championship 2024 campaign, overpowering Pakistan 5-2 in their Group A opener at the Dasharath Stadium on October 17, 2024.
The five-time champions led 4-1 at halftime, showcasing their dominance early in the tournament.
This victory also marked two key milestones for the Blue Tigresses: captain Loitongbam Ashalata Devi celebrated her 100th appearance, and striker Ngangom Bala Devi scored her 50th international goal, making her the first Indian woman footballer to achieve this feat.
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First Half (Minute 1 to 45)
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India wasted no time in seizing control of the match. With a strong crowd cheering them on, Grace Dangmei opened the scoring in just the fifth minute, converting a cross from an overlapping Ranjana Chanu with a smooth strike from outside the box.
This goal set the tone for India’s relentless attack. In the 17th minute, Bala Devi's clever through pass found Manisha, who calmly beat Pakistan’s goalkeeper, Nisha Ashraf, with a sharp left-footer to make it 2-0.
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Bala Devi’s moment of glory came in the 35th minute when she netted India’s third goal off an indirect free-kick, a powerful shot that left the Pakistan defense helpless. Grace Dangmei added her second and India’s fourth goal in the 42nd minute, once again capitalizing on a well-placed cross from Ranjana.
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Just before halftime, Pakistan pulled one back when India conceded a penalty. Suha Hirani’s perfectly placed shot into the top corner left Indian goalkeeper Panthoi Chanu with no chance. This gave Pakistan some hope as they went into the break 4-1 down.
Second Half (Minute 45 to 90)
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In the second half, Pakistan showed more determination. Kayla Marie Siddique scored their second goal shortly after halftime, taking advantage of a mix-up in India’s defense. However, India quickly regained control, and substitute Jyoti Chauhan sealed the win with a well-timed header off a Dalima Chhibber corner in the 78th minute, marking her first senior goal for India.
With this victory, India extended their unbeaten record against Pakistan to four games in international football. The match demonstrated India's attacking strength and also celebrated significant achievements for two of their star players, making it a memorable day for Indian women's football.
Final score
Pakistan 2 (Suha Hirani 45 + 2', Kayla Marie Siddique, 47')
India 5 (Grace Dangmei 5', 42', Manisha 17', Bala Devi 35', Jyoti Chauhan 78')