Patiala, 21 February (Sports Desk)
The Indian women’s football team made a strong start to their Pink Ladies Cup 2025 campaign with a commanding 2-0 victory over Jordan at the Al Hamriya Sports Club Stadium in Sharjah on Thursday. Goals from Naorem Priyangka Devi (23’) and Manisha (54’) sealed the win, marking India’s first victory under head coach Crispin Chettri .
Match Highlights
Ranked 69th in FIFA , the Indian team began cautiously, focusing much of their attacking intent through the left flank, with Priyangka Devi orchestrating plays for Manisha to exploit gaps in Jordan’s defense. Despite a slow start, India quickly found their rhythm after weathering an early scare.
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Jordan’s forward Roukayah Al Fararjeh had the first real chance of the match, breaking through India’s backline only to be denied by goalkeeper Shreya Hooda , who made a crucial save inside the box.
India took the lead in the 23rd minute when Priyangka Devi unleashed a speculative shot from around 25 yards out . The effort caught Jordan’s goalkeeper Alshalabe off guard as she misjudged the bounce, allowing the ball to slip into the net. This goal settled Indian nerves and shifted momentum firmly in their favor.
Minutes later, Sandhiya Ranganathan capitalized on defensive confusion in Jordan’s ranks, cutting the ball back for Manisha , whose attempt sailed narrowly over the crossbar. Jordan responded with a threatening moment of their own before halftime when Bana Bitar delivered a dangerous cross from the left, but no teammate could connect in time.
Second Half Dominance
The second half saw Jordan (ranked 74th in FIFA ) show brief intent, but India’s defense, led by captain Ngangbam Sweety Devi and youngster Purnima Kumari , held firm. As Jordan pushed forward, India exploited spaces on the counterattack.
In the 54th minute , Manisha doubled India’s lead with a clinical finish. Set up by Sandhiya Ranganathan on the left flank, Manisha sprinted past her marker and fired a deceptive left-footed shot that beat the goalkeeper at the near post.
Substitute Karishma Purushottam Shirvoikar nearly added a third goal late in the game, cutting the ball back for Priyangka Devi , but Jordan’s Ayah Al-Majali made a last-ditch sliding tackle to deny the effort. Goalkeeper Shreya Hooda ensured India’s clean sheet with a point-blank save in injury time, thwarting Lana Feras’ header.
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Key Performances
- Naorem Priyangka Devi : Scored the opening goal with a long-range strike and played a pivotal role in midfield.
- Manisha : Delivered a decisive performance, scoring the second goal and consistently troubling Jordan’s defense.
- Shreya Hooda : Made crucial saves to maintain India’s clean sheet.
Looking Ahead
Coach Crispin Chettri introduced several substitutes in the closing stages, handing a debut to Lisham Babina Devi and providing valuable playing time to younger players.
India will now face Russia in their next match of the Pink Ladies Cup 2025 on Sunday , aiming to build on this impressive start. With a solid defensive display and clinical finishing, the Indian team has set the tone for a promising tournament ahead.
