India begin SAFF title defence with resounding victory over Maldives

NEPAL: The Indian women’s national team kicked-off its campaign at the SAFF Women’s Championship with a 6-0 win over Maldives at the Sahid Rangashala Stadium in Nepal on Wednesday.

Dangmei Grace, Sandhiya Ranganathan, Sanju, Indumathi Kathiresan and Ratanabala Devi - all found the back of the net for India, who come into the tournament as defending champions, having won the trophy four times, so far.

Grace put India into the lead eight minutes into the match, thanks to some fine pressing from the Indian attackers, which allowed the winger to latch on to a loose ball inside the box and slot it past the keeper.

Grace was heavily involved in the second goal as well, this time providing an assist in the 13th minute. A cross from the right was brought down excellently by Sandhiya, who showed great composure to bring the ball under her control with her first touch and with her second, she swivelled and shot the ball into the back of the net.

The third goal came through Indumathi Kathiresan in the 22nd minute.

Four minutes later, it was Sanju’s turn to get onto the scoresheet. A long cross-field ball from the right flank by Dalima Chhibber was brought down by the Indian left-winger. In a swift movement, she turned her defender, switched the ball to her right foot and curled it into the far corner of the net.