New Delhi, April 15: In an exhilarating playoff for third place in the FIFA Series 2026, the Indian women’s national team triumphed over Malawi with a score of 3-2 at Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium on Wednesday. Goals from Astham Oram (18′), Aveka Singh (45+1′), and substitute Priyadarshini Selladurai (84′) secured the win for the ‘Blue Tigresses’, while Malawi’s Khumalo Irene (42′) and Henry Debora (60′) each found the net.
India started the match strongly, maintaining possession early on. Their aggressive strategy paid off in the 18th minute. Nirmala Devi Phanjoubam delivered a brilliant corner kick from the right side. Malawi’s goalkeeper, Esther Maulidi, came off her line but failed to catch the ball. It fell to Astham Oram, who quickly reacted and scored, giving India the lead. This was the 21-year-old’s first goal for the national team.
After falling behind, Malawi fought back and began to dominate possession in India’s half. Their pressure resulted in a free-kick in the 42nd minute when Sanfida Nongram fouled Bernadetta Makandavire just outside the box. Khumalo Irene stepped up and executed a stunning shot into the top corner of the net. Indian goalkeeper Shreya Huda managed to touch the ball but could not stop it.
However, the ‘Blue Tigresses’ responded immediately. In the first minute of stoppage time, Karishma Shirvoikar and Babina Lisham executed a brilliant one-two on the left flank, leading to Babina delivering a dangerous cross into the box. Aveka Singh was perfectly positioned to volley the ball into the net, restoring India’s lead just before halftime. Like Astham, this was also Aveka’s first goal for the ‘Blue Tigresses’.
After the break, Malawi displayed aggressive play, introducing fresh players to apply pressure on the Indian defense, which led to several opportunities for possession. Just after the hour mark, they equalized again. Khumalo Irene took a corner kick from the right, which was initially touched by substitute Mulimbika Sara, allowing Henry Debora to react quickly and score, leveling the match at 2-2.
In the final moments, the game became chaotic, with both teams resorting to long kicks. Malawi continued to pose a threat, but Shreya remained vigilant. She effectively managed her area, thwarting attackers before they could capitalize on any opportunities.
As the match seemed headed for a penalty shootout, a decisive moment occurred six minutes before the end. Nirmala took a free-kick from the halfway line, which reached substitute Priyadarshini Selladurai. She skillfully controlled the ball with her right foot and struck a precise shot into the bottom corner, leaving Malawi’s goalkeeper with no chance to save it.
The ‘Blue Tigresses’ held onto their lead, securing a hard-fought victory and clinching third place in the FIFA Series 2026. Earlier, India faced a 0-2 defeat against Kenya in the semifinals.
My name is Ganpat Singh Choughan. I am an experienced content writer with 7 years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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