Football: India Triumphs Over Jordan 2-0 in Pink Ladies Cup 2025
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Synopsis
On February 20, the Indian women's national football team commenced their Pink Ladies Cup 2025 journey with a 2-0 victory over Jordan at the Al Hamriya Sports Club Stadium. Goals by Naorem Priyangka Devi and Manisha secured this win, marking a successful start under head coach Crispin Chettri.
Key Takeaways
- India's women defeated Jordan 2-0 in their opening match.
- Goals were scored by Priyangka and Manisha.
- India maintained a clean sheet thanks to goalkeeper Shreya Hooda.
- Head coach Crispin Chettri achieved a successful start.
- Lisham Babina Devi made her international debut.
Sharjah, Feb 20 (NationPress) The senior women’s national team of India kicked off their journey in the Pink Ladies Cup 2025 with a decisive 2-0 win against Jordan at the Al Hamriya Sports Club Stadium on Thursday. The Blue Tigresses held a 1-0 lead at the break, thanks to goals from midfielder Naorem Priyangka Devi (23’) and winner Manisha (54’), marking a successful start under head coach Crispin Chettri.
The match began cautiously for the Blue Tigresses, primarily focusing their attacks down the left wing, where Priyangka set up Manisha to challenge the Jordanian defence. However, it was Jordan's Roukayah Al Fararjeh who created the first significant chance of the match, breaking past India's last defender Sanju and entering the box, only to be thwarted by goalkeeper Shreya Hooda.
In the 23rd minute, Priyangka eased Indian tensions with a long-range effort from around 25 yards. She received a bit of luck as the Jordanian goalkeeper Alshalabe miscalculated the ball's bounce, inadvertently pushing it into the net.
Shortly after, India forward Sandhiya Ranganathan seized a moment of disarray in the Jordanian defence to penetrate the box, but her cutback to Manisha resulted in a shot sent over the crossbar.
Bana Bitar almost equalized for Jordan just before half-time, delivering a dangerous cross from the left, but none of her teammates could connect with it.
The second half saw Jordan begin with renewed energy, but the Indian defence, led by captain Ngangbam Sweety Devi and young talent Purnima Kumari, absorbed the pressure. As India countered, Soumya Guguloth executed an accurate aerial pass to Manisha, who entered the box but was denied by Alshalabe’s timely intervention.
Manisha extended India's lead just before the hour mark after receiving a pass from Sandhiya. She deftly maneuvered past her opponent and struck a well-placed shot with her left foot that zipped past the goalkeeper into the net.
In the final minutes, Coach Chettri made several substitutions, including giving Lisham Babina Devi her international debut. Another substitute, Karishma Purushottam Shirvoikar, set up a chance for a third goal by cutting the ball back for Priyangka, but Ayah Al-Majali intervened just in time. In added time, Shreya made a crucial save from Lana Feras’ header, ensuring India maintained their clean sheet.
