New Delhi, April 15 (NationPress) - The Indian women's national football team achieved a remarkable 3-2 triumph against Malawi in the third-place match of the FIFA Series 2026, held at Nairobi's Nyayo National Stadium on Wednesday.

Astam Oraon (18'), Aveka Singh (45+1'), and substitute Priyadharshini Selladurai (84') scored for the Blue Tigresses, while Khumalo Ireen (42') and Henry Deborah (60') netted for Malawi.

India commenced the match energetically, enjoying an early share of possession. The attacking strategy bore fruit in the 18th minute when Nirmala Devi Phanjoubam sent a floated corner from the right. Unfortunately for Malawi, goalkeeper Esther Maulidi misjudged the ball.

The ball ricocheted off Aveka Singh and fell into the path of Astam Oraon, who was quick to react and nudged it into the net, giving India the lead. This marked the first goal for the 21-year-old in her national team career.

After falling behind, Malawi found their rhythm and began to dominate possession in the Indian half. Their persistence paid off in the 42nd minute when Sanfida Nongrum fouled Bernadetta Mkandawire near the edge of the box, resulting in a free-kick.

Khumalo Ireen stepped in and unleashed a stunning left-footed shot that soared into the top corner. Although India’s goalkeeper Shreya Hooda made contact, she couldn’t prevent the goal.

However, the Blue Tigresses answered back immediately. In the first minute of first-half stoppage time, a swift one-two between Karishma Shirvoikar and Babina Lisham allowed the latter to deliver a dangerous cross into the box.

Aveka Singh was strategically positioned and managed to score with a precise volley, restoring India's lead just before halftime. Like Astam, this also marked Aveka's first goal for the Blue Tigresses.

Malawi emerged with renewed vigor after the break, applying intense pressure on the Indian defense and frequently regaining possession.

Their efforts bore fruit shortly after the hour mark when Khumalo Ireen delivered a corner from the right, which was met by substitute Mulimbika Sarah, allowing Henry Deborah to volley it into the net for a 2-2 equalizer.

As the match progressed, both teams resorted to long balls, making the game increasingly chaotic. Malawi continued to pose a threat, but Shreya remained vigilant, effectively managing her area and thwarting potential scoring opportunities.

With the match seemingly heading toward penalties, the decisive moment occurred six minutes before the end. Nirmala's free-kick from midfield found substitute Priyadharshini Selladurai, who skillfully cut inside onto her right foot and struck the ball into the bottom corner, leaving the Malawi goalkeeper with no chance.

The Blue Tigresses maintained their lead to clinch a hard-earned victory, securing third place in the FIFA Series 2026.

Earlier in the tournament, India faced a 0-2 defeat against Kenya in the semi-finals, while the hosts prepared to take on Australia in the final later in the day.