Football

For many Pakistani football fans, the sixth SAFF Women’s Championship in Kathmandu had meant something special as Pakistan were making their return to international football after an eight-year hiatus.

But that was short-lived. India were in no mood of being cordial towards their opposition, as they condemned Pakistan to a 3-0 defeat in a Group A game at the Dashrath Stadium on Wednesday.

The five-times defending champions India dominated the proceedings from the onset. After sustained pressure, the first goal came in the 21st minute. The Pakistan goalkeeper sent the ball towards her captain Maria Khan who inadvertently put the ball into her own net.

Two minutes on, India scored again through forward Grace Dangmei who fired a powerful shot into the back of the net to take a 2-0 lead into halftime.

The second half was not kind to the Pakistanis, as India continued to control the game. Although Pakistan managed to keep the opposition strikers at bay for a while, Saumya Guguloth scored towards the close of play to give India a 3-0 victory.

The win puts India on the top of Group A with three points, leaving Pakistan with a mountain to climb in their remaining ties against the Maldives and Bangladesh.

In contrast, India will be very happy with their performance as they eye a record sixth title.The two arch-rivals will be in action on September 10, with Pakistan trying to redeem themselves against Bangladesh and India looking to consolidate their position in a match against Maldives.