Historic Victory for Indian Women's Futsal Team in SAFF Championship
India's Landmark Win
In a remarkable achievement, the Indian women's futsal team secured their inaugural international win by overpowering the Maldives with a score of 11-1 during their opening match of the SAFF Women's Futsal Championship at Nonthaburi Stadium in Thailand.
Khushbu Saroj was the standout player, scoring four goals (17', 22', 24', 26'), while Ritika Singh (6', 17'), Sonali Mondal (17', 37'), and Nishka Parkash (33', 34') each contributed two goals. Mithila Ramani initiated the scoring with the tournament's first goal at the 4-minute mark, and an own goal by Achom Degio (39') allowed the Maldives to get on the scoreboard.
Dominant First Half Performance
The match began with India asserting their dominance, as they aggressively sought to score. It took until the fourth minute for Mithila to find the net, thanks to a cross from Arya More.
Just two minutes later, Ritika extended the lead by converting a shot from Diti Kanungo. India maintained relentless pressure, although the Maldives began to explore offensive opportunities.
After a brief lull, Sonali Mondal played a pivotal role in two quick goals. She assisted Khushbu for a goal and then set up Ritika for another, before scoring herself just before halftime, bringing the score to 5-0.
Second Half Onslaught Secures Victory
With a commanding 5-0 lead at halftime, the Futsal Tigresses returned to the field determined to increase their advantage.
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India faced a brief challenge when Diti received a red card, leaving them with four players for two minutes. However, once back to full strength, they resumed scoring. Nishka added two more goals, and Sonali capped off the scoring with her second goal, making it 11-1.
The Maldives managed a consolation goal late in the game, but it was clear that India had made history with their first international women's futsal victory.
India's Squad for the Match
The players representing India included: Tanvi Mavani (Goal Keeper), Aiswarya Arumugam (Goal Keeper), Achom Degio, Radhika Patel, Mithila Ramani, Nishka Parkash, Arya More, Jigmet Chunzen (Captain), Khushbu Saroj, Sonali Mondal, Ritika Singh, Diti Kanungo, Pooja Gupta, Aarushi Santhosh.