India kicked off their SAFF Women’s Championship 2024 campaign in style, overpowering Pakistan 5-2 in their Group A opener at the Dasharath Stadium on Thursday, October 17, 2024. The five-time champions demonstrated their dominance early on, establishing a 4-1 lead by halftime in a match that also marked significant milestones for two of Blue Tigress. Captain Loitongbam Ashalata Devi made her 100th appearance for the national team, while prolific striker Ngangom Bala Devi achieved her 50th international goal, becoming the first Indian woman footballer to reach this landmark.
The three-team group also includes Bangladesh, and India’s comprehensive win secured three points in their opening encounter. Grace Dangmei led the way with a brace, while Manisha, Bala Devi, and substitute Jyoti Chauhan added to the tally. Pakistan’s goals came from Suha Hirani and Kayla Marie Siddique, as the team struggled to contain Blue Tigresses attacking prowess.
Grace Dangmei Sets the Tone
India wasted no time in asserting their authority over their arch-rivals, scoring the first goal in just the fifth minute. Grace Dangmei, who would later be named Player of the Match, found the back of the net with a powerful shot from outside the box. The move began with an impressive run down the left flank by Ranjana Chanu, whose precise cross set up Grace to finish with aplomb. Pakistan’s defense had difficulty containing Ranjana’s overlapping runs, and this early goal put them under pressure.
Bala Devi’s Magic on Display
The second goal, scored in the 17th minute, showcased the experience and vision of Bala Devi. The seasoned striker’s perfectly-timed through pass split the Pakistani defense, allowing Manisha to race towards goal. With a clinical left-footed finish, Manisha extended Team Blue’s lead to 2-0. Bala Devi’s involvement in the goal highlighted her skills and playmaking ability, which have been integral to India’s successes over the years.
Bala Devi’s moment of glory came in the 35th minute. After being visibly emotional during the National Anthem, she showed her class by scoring off an indirect free-kick, giving India a commanding 3-0 lead. Her powerful shot left the Pakistani goalkeeper, Nisha Ashraf, with no chance to make a save. This goal marked Bala Devi’s 50th international strike, an achievement that further cements her place in Indian football history.
Grace Scores Again, Pakistan Fights Back
India’s fourth goal came just before halftime, as Grace Dangmei doubled her tally for the night. Ranjana Chanu once again played a key role, delivering a precise cross that Grace converted with ease. Pakistan, however, managed to pull a goal back just before the break. A penalty awarded to the visitors saw Suha Hirani step up and calmly place the ball in the top corner, reducing the deficit to 4-1. Despite being outplayed for much of the first half, this goal sparked some life into the Pakistani side.
Pakistan’s Resurgence and India’s Response
The second half began with Pakistan showing renewed vigor, and they quickly added a second goal. Kayla Marie Siddique capitalized on a mix-up in the Indian defense, slotting the ball into the net to make it 4-2. For a brief period, Pakistan seemed to be gaining momentum, with their attacking intent causing some concern for the Indian defense.
However, as Pakistan pushed forward in search of more goals, Team Blue made sure to put the game beyond reach. Substitute Jyoti Chauhan, who came on in the second half, scored India’s fifth goal in the 78th minute. Rising above the Pakistani defenders, Jyoti headed in a corner delivered by Dalima Chhibber, marking her first goal for the Senior India team and sealing a comprehensive victory for the Blue Tigresses.
Dominance Continues
India’s triumph extended their perfect record against Pakistan in women’s football, having won all four encounters between the two teams. The match also saw a large and lively crowd at the Dasharath Stadium, creating a charged atmosphere that added to the occasion.
With this emphatic win, Team Blue has laid down a marker in Group A and set the stage for what could be another successful campaign. They will next face Bangladesh, hoping to build on this momentum and advance to the knockout stages with a strong performance.
The victory not only highlights India’s footballing prowess but also celebrates the individual achievements of players like Ashalata Devi and Bala Devi, who continue to inspire the next generation of footballers.
