Kathmandu, Oct. 18: The 2024 SAFF Women’s Championship kicked off at Dasharath Stadium in Kathmandu Thursday night with a heated clash between India and Pakistan.

The game began with India’s dominance as the five-time SAFF champions secured a four-goal lead against Pakistan in first half. 

Grace Dangmei opened the account for India in the 5th minute with a long ranger while Manisha made it 2-0 in the 17th minute as she was assisted in an open space on the left by Bala Devi Ngangom, India’s No. 10. 

Meanwhile, the third goal was a special one for the Indian team as their No. 10 scored her 50th international goal for India in the 35th minute. India had earned a freekick inside the 18-yard box and it was Manisha who set a set piece for Bala Devi to shoot a screamer and write a new history in Indian football.

Grace came in to score her second and team’s fourth in the 42nd minute. However, while India was looking to end the first half with a clean sheet, the skipper fouled Pakistan’s No. 7 Nadia Khan just inside the box and gave away a penalty in the 2+ added minutes of the first half. Suha Hirani scored the penalty and gave a relief to the Pakistani side.

The second half started with an unexpected surprise from Pakistan. Starting aggressively in the attack, Pakistan earned a corner in the 47th minute that created a chance for Kayla Marie Siddiqi to score from the six-yard box.

India was still on a lead while Pakistan was fighting for more goals and to complete a comeback; but the hope was shattered in the 78th minute as substitute Jyoti Chauhan, with a header, made it 5-2.

Until then, Pakistani players, specially Nadia, were creating chances but missed a couple of clearly possible goals. Nevertheless, Pakistani players were also struggling against Indian counter attacks as Anju Tamang was continuously eager to score a goal and extend the lead for the team. 

Pakistan and India will each play their final group match against Bangladesh on October 20 and 23 respectively. 

Pakistan still has a shot for a spot in the semi-final if they defeat defending champions Bangladesh.  

In the 2022 SAFF Women’s Championship, Bangladesh defeated Pakistan by 6-0.

Furthermore, Nepal is opening their campaign facing Bhutan at 5:30 pm Nepali time today (Friday). Sri Lanka and the Maldives will be taking on each other on the first match of Friday.