Indian Women's Football Team Triumphs Over Perth Azzurri in Friendly Match

India's Impressive Victory in Perth

Perth [Australia], February 23: The Indian senior women's national football team showcased their skills by defeating the Australian club Perth Azzurri with a score of 7-2 during a closed-door friendly match held at Macedonia Park on February 23, as reported by the All India Football Federation (AIFF).

Perth Azzurri initially took the lead with a penalty kick, but Indian player Dangmei Grace quickly equalized, resulting in a 1-1 tie at halftime.

In the second half, the Blue Tigresses surged ahead, with Grace scoring again shortly after the break. Rimpa Haldar and Babina Devi Lisham contributed two additional goals, extending India's lead to 4-1.

Although Perth Azzurri managed to score once more, India responded with three additional goals, including one from Kaviya Pakkirisamy and two from Sangita Basfore.

On February 20, the Indian women's team announced its 26-member squad for the upcoming Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026.

The tournament format allows the top two teams from each group, along with the two best third-placed teams, to advance to the quarter-finals. The winners of the quarter-finals will qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027, while the losing teams will compete in play-offs for the remaining spots.

-India’s squad for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026:

Goalkeepers: Panthoi Chanu Elangbam, Shreya Hooda, Sowmiya Narayanasamy.

Defenders: Astam Oraon, Juli Kishan, Martina Thokchom, Nirmala Devi Phanjoubam, Sanju, Sarita Yumnam, Shilky Devi Hemam, Sushmita Lepcha, Sweety Devi Ngangbam.

Midfielders: Anju Tamang, Aveka Singh, Babina Devi Lisham, Jasoda Munda, Sanfida Nongrum, Sangita Basfore.

Forwards: Grace Dangmei, Kaviya Pakkirisamy, Lynda Kom Serto, Malavika P, Manisha Kalyan, Pyari Xaxa, Rimpa Haldar, Soumya Guguloth.

Head coach: Amelia Valverde

Assistant coaches: Crispin Chettri, Priya PV

Goalkeeping coaches: Eli Avila, Mario Aguiar

Strength and conditioning coach: Jose Sanchez.