Indian Women's Team Triumphs Over Malawi in FIFA Series 2026 Play-Off
Thrilling Victory for India in Nairobi
Nairobi [Kenya], April 15: The Indian women's national football team achieved an exhilarating 3-2 win against Malawi during the third-place play-off of the FIFA Series 2026 at the Nyayo National Stadium on Wednesday.
As reported by the All India Football Federation (AIFF), goals from Astam Oraon (18'), Aveka Singh (45+1'), and substitute Priyadharshini Selladurai (84') secured the victory for the Blue Tigresses, while Malawi's Khumalo Ireen (42') and Henry Deborah (60') found the net for their team.
India began the match with strong momentum, dominating possession early on. Their efforts bore fruit in the 18th minute.
Nirmala Devi Phanjoubam took a corner from the right, and despite Malawian goalkeeper Esther Maulidi's attempt to intervene, she missed the ball. It fell to Astam Oraon, who quickly reacted to score, marking her first goal for the national squad.
Malawi responded well after conceding, gradually gaining control in India's half. Their persistence paid off in the 42nd minute when Sanfida Nongrum fouled Bernadetta Mkandawire near the box, leading to a free-kick. Khumalo Ireen executed a stunning left-footed shot into the top corner, which India’s goalkeeper Shreya Hooda could only touch.
However, the Blue Tigresses quickly regained their lead. In the first minute of stoppage time, a clever one-two between Karishma Shirvoikar and Babina Lisham resulted in a dangerous cross, allowing Aveka Singh to volley home, also marking her first goal for the team.
After halftime, Malawi came out with renewed energy, pressing the Indian defense and winning back possession frequently.
They equalized again shortly after the hour mark when Khumalo Ireen's corner was met by substitute Mulimbika Sarah, and Henry Deborah scored with a volley, leveling the match at 2-2.
The final moments of the match became increasingly chaotic, with both teams resorting to long balls. Malawi continued to threaten, but Shreya remained vigilant, effectively managing her area.
As the match appeared to be heading for penalties, the decisive moment came six minutes before the end. Nirmala's free-kick from midfield found Priyadharshini Selladurai, who skillfully cut inside and struck a precise shot into the bottom corner, leaving the Malawi goalkeeper with no chance.
The Blue Tigresses maintained their lead to clinch a hard-fought victory, securing third place in the FIFA Series 2026.
Earlier, India faced a 0-2 defeat against Kenya in the semi-finals, while the hosts prepared to take on Australia in the final later that day.
India's lineup included Shreya Hooda (GK), Purnima Kumari, Astam Oraon, Shilky Devi Hemam (C), Malavika P (Rimpa Haldar 59'), Karishma Shirvoikar (Sarita Yumnam 82'), Sanfida Nongrum, Nirmala Devi Phanjoubam, Babina Devi Lisham (Priyadharshini Selladurai 59'), Jasoda Munda (Juli Kishan 90+4'), and Aveka Singh.