The India senior women’s national team began its Pink Ladies Cup 2025 campaign with a 2-0 victory against Jordan at the Al Hamriya Sports Club Stadium in Sharjah, UAE on Thursday.
Midfielder Naorem Priyangka Devi (23’) and winger Manisha (54’) scored, to give India their first win with Crispin Chettri as the head coach.
The Blue Tigresses began on a cautious note, the majority of their intent coming from the left flank with Priyangka playing the fiddle for Manisha to run at the Jordan defence. However, it was Jordan forward Roukayah Al Fararjeh, who had the first real opportunity of the match as she was played through behind India’s last defender Sanju. The forward made her way into the box, but was stopped by India goalkeeper Shreya Hooda.
Priyangka put the Indian nerves at ease in the 23rd minute, when she scored from around 25 yards out. She did got lucky as Jordan custodian Alshalabe misjudged the bounce of the ball and bundled it into the goal.
India continued its attacking endeavour for the rest of the half but failed to take advantage of the chances to increase its lead.
The second essay saw Jordan come out with an initial burst of intent, but the India defence, marshalled by captain Ngangbam Sweety Devi weathered the storm before Manisha and Soumya Guguloth took matters onto their feet.
India looked particularly threatening on counters. Manisha doubled India’s lead in the 54yj minute when she was played through on the left by Sandhiya. She sped past her marker and produced a deceptive shot with her left toe that whistled past the keeper at the near post.
– Team Sportstar
Content Source: sportstar.thehindu.com