Lhingdeikim's Stunning Debut: Four Goals Propel India Women to 11-1 Victory Over Maldives
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Bengaluru, Jan 2 (NationPress) Debutant forward Lhingdeikim scored four goals as the senior India women’s team commenced its 2025 international campaign on an exhilarating note, trouncing the Maldives 11-1 in the second FIFA Friendly at the Padukone-Dravid Centre for Sports Excellence, here on Thursday. The Blue Tigresses were ahead 6-1 at the halftime break.
Lhingdeikim (12’, 16’, 56’, 59’), who achieved a brace in each half, along with Nongmeikapam Sibani Devi (45+1’), were the two debutants in India’s initial lineup. Additionally, Ribansi Jamu, Thingbaijam Sanjita Devi, Juhi Singh, Monisha Singha, Khumukcham Bhumika Devi, and Simran Gurung made their debuts off the bench, with the latter netting a debut brace.
India's head coach Joakim Alexandersson implemented significant changes to the squad that played in the first friendly on December 30; only goalkeeper Maibam Linthoingambi Devi, defender Aruna Bag, and midfielder and captain Sangita Basfore retained their positions in the starting lineup from India's last match, which they won 14-0.
India goalkeeper Linthoingambi Devi made a few routine saves early in the match, but once the Blue Tigresses found their rhythm, they unleashed a torrent of goals, leading by four by the 17th minute.
Lhingdeikim opened the scoring with a right-footed shot from inside the box, followed by an assist to Kajol Dsouza (15’). Just a minute later, she netted her second goal, receiving a through ball from Sibani. An own goal from Maldives captain Hawwa Haneefa (17’) made it four for India, as a header from skipper Sangita Basfore deflected off her foot and into the net.
The Maldives briefly regrouped following India's explosive start and managed to score their only goal of the two friendlies, as Mariyam Rifa (27’) capitalized on a defensive mistake near the half-hour mark, marking the only flaw in an otherwise flawless series for the Blue Tigresses. Striker Pooja (41’) and winger Sibani added to the tally with one goal each just before halftime.
Lhingdeikim continued her impressive performance into the second half, scoring again after finishing a lay-off from Pooja in the 56th minute. She concluded her remarkable debut with a stylish strike, flicking a Kajol through ball with her first touch to outmaneuver the goalkeeper, just a minute shy of the hour mark.
Substitute Simran Gurung (62’, 68’), also making her debut, contributed two additional goals after taking over Basfore's position at halftime. The Maldives faced a setback in the final 20 minutes when Maeesha Abdul Hannan was sent off for a deliberate handball in the penalty area. Bhumika Devi successfully converted the resulting penalty to finalize the rout.
