KATHMANDU: Pakistan’s slumped to yet another massive defeat at the hands of arch-rivals India on Thursday, losing 5-2 in the SAFF Women’s Championship opener at the Dasharath Rangsala Stadium in Kathmandu.

The loss extends Pakistan’s winless streak against India in international women’s football to four.

Despite a promising start, Pakistan struggled to contain India’s attacking flair, conceding four goals by halftime.

Suha Hirani’s 45th-minute penalty and Kayla Marie Siddique’s 46th-minute strike offered glimpses of hope, but India’s superiority prevailed.

India — the tournament’s most successful team with five trophies — opened the scoring in the fifth minute through Grace Dangmei.

Player-of-the-match Grace smoothly converted Ranjana Chanu’s cross from outside the box which opened the floodgates.

The Pakistan defence was breached again in the 17th minute, as Ngangom Bala Devi’s through pass found Manisha, who beat goalkeeper Nisha Ashraf with a precise left-footer.

Bala Devi then scored her 50th international goal in the 35th minute, expertly converting an indirect free-kick that proved too powerful for Nisha.

Grace struck again in the 42nd minute, capitalising on another Ranjana cross to give India a solid 4-1 halftime lead.

Pakistan briefly rallied, with Suha’s penalty kick finding the top corner just before halftime. Kayla quickly added another goal after the break, taking advantage of confusion in India’s defence.

However, India regained control, culminating in Jyoti Chauhan’s 78th-minute header from Dalima Chhibber’s corner kick, sealing the victory. It was Jyoti’s first goal for Indian senior team.

Pakistan now face reigning champions Bangladesh in their next Group A match.

The match also marked Indian skipper Loitongbam Ashalata Devi’s 100th appearance.

India — who lost to Nepal in the 2022 semi-final — will face Bangladesh on Wednesday.

Published in Dawn, October 18th, 2024