Shillong, October 22 (Daily Kiran): The Indian senior women’s football team suffered a 0-2 defeat against Iran in the opening match of the Tri-Nation Women’s International Friendly Tournament held on Tuesday night at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Shillong.
Iran’s substitute forward Sara Didad turned out to be the game-changer, scoring two quick goals in the second half to secure victory for her team.
Both sides failed to break the deadlock in the first half, but Iran dominated the game after the break. Didad found the net in the 64th and 74th minutes, capitalising on defensive lapses by India.
India, who had shown promise earlier this year during the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers, struggled to find rhythm in this match. The Iranian side looked more composed, physically stronger, and displayed better coordination throughout the contest.
Iran came close to scoring as early as the fourth minute, when Indian goalkeeper Elangbam Panthoi Chanu fumbled while collecting the ball. However, defender Fanjoubam Nirmala Devi cleared it off the line to avert an early setback.
In the 64th minute, Melika Motevalitaher delivered a precise cross, which Zahra Ghanbari’s header struck the crossbar before Sara Didad acrobatically converted the rebound to open the scoring.
Ten minutes later, a defensive error by Ratanbala Devi allowed Didad to strike again — this time with a low, well-placed shot past the Indian goalkeeper.
India’s only real chance came in the 89th minute, when Linda Kom Serto’s curling free-kick was superbly saved by Iranian goalkeeper Raha Yazdani. In stoppage time, Fatemeh Shaban Gohroud nearly made it 3-0, but her attempt hit the post.
With this win, Iran have made a strong start to the tournament. They will next face Nepal on October 24, while India will take on Nepal on October 27.
India’s Starting XI
Elangbam Panthoi Chanu (GK), Fanjoubam Nirmala Devi (Kiran Pisda 85’), Hemam Shilky Devi, Sangita Basfore, Nongmaithem Ratanbala Devi, Karishma Purushottam Shirvoikar (Rimpa Halder 61’), Pyari Xaxa (Malavika P 61’), Grace Dangmei (C) (Priyadharshini Seladurai 78’), Sorokhaibam Ranjana Chanu, Martina Thokchom (Santosh 85’), Linda Kom Serto.
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