Indian Women's Football Team Dominates Maldives in SAFF Championship Opener

India's Impressive Start in SAFF Women's Championship

Panaji (Goa) [India], May 25: The Indian women's football team kicked off their SAFF Women's Championship 2026 journey with a resounding 11-0 victory over the Maldives in their first Group B match held at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Margao, Goa, on Monday.

Aveka Singh was the standout performer, netting four goals (34', 66', 70', 86'), while Priyangka Naorem (11', 17') and Karishma (53', 68') each contributed two goals. Additionally, Pyari Xaxa (28'), Dangmei Grace (40'), and Sangita Basfore (60') also scored, leading to a remarkable win, as reported by a sports news outlet.

Ranked 69th in the FIFA women's rankings, India took control early against the Maldives, who are ranked 167th, and maintained dominance throughout the match.

India almost 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, they took the lead six minutes later when Priyangka Devi, back in the squad after recovering from an ACL injury, finished a cross from Sangita Basfore from close range.

Shortly after, India nearly doubled their lead, but Pyari Xaxa's shot was saved by the Maldives goalkeeper. Priyangka Naorem soon made it 2-0, finishing a well-placed through ball from inside the box.

Xaxa finally scored just before the half-hour mark, capitalizing on a mistake by the Maldives goalkeeper who mishandled her long-range shot.

The goalkeeper faced another challenge when Aveka Singh's free-kick took an unexpected bounce and went in, extending the lead to 4-0. Captain Dangmei Grace then scored the fifth goal just before halftime, concluding a dominant first half.

With a comfortable lead, India continued to press in the second half, adding six more goals. Aveka Singh was instrumental, scoring three times and providing two assists, contributing significantly to the team's success.

As five-time champions of the SAFF Women's Championship, India is set to face the reigning champions, Bangladesh, in their next match on Sunday.