Indian Women's Football Team Dominates Maldives in SAFF Championship Opener
India's Impressive Start at SAFF Women's Championship 2026
The Indian women's football team kicked off their SAFF Women's Championship 2026 journey with an overwhelming 11-0 victory against the Maldives during their first Group B match held at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Margao, Goa, on Monday.
Aveka Singh was the standout player, netting four goals (34', 66', 70', 86'). Priyangka Naorem (11', 17') and Karishma (53', 68') each contributed two goals, while Pyari Xaxa (28'), Dangmei Grace (40'), and Sangita Basfore (60') also scored, leading to a resounding win.
First-Half Dominance
Ranked 69th in the FIFA women's rankings, India took control early against the Maldives, who are ranked 167th, and limited their chances throughout the match.
India nearly scored within the first five minutes when Dangmei Grace set up Pyari Xaxa for a tap-in, but the goal was disallowed for offside.
However, India took the lead six minutes later when Priyangka Devi, back in action after recovering from an ACL injury, finished a cross from Sangita Basfore from close range. India almost doubled their lead shortly after, but Pyari Xaxa's shot was saved by the Maldives goalkeeper.
Priyangka Naorem soon scored again, finishing a well-placed through ball from inside the box. Xaxa finally found the net just before the half-hour mark, capitalizing on a mistake by the Maldives goalkeeper. Aveka Singh's free-kick then slipped past the keeper to make it 4-0, followed by a fifth goal from captain Dangmei Grace before halftime.
Second-Half Surge
With a commanding lead, India continued their offensive in the second half, scoring six additional goals. Aveka Singh was instrumental, scoring three times and providing two assists, contributing significantly to the team's success.
Next Challenge: Defending Champions
India, the record five-time champions of the SAFF Women's Championship, will face the reigning champions Bangladesh in their next match on Sunday.