FIFA International Women’s Friendlies 2024-25: Lhingdeikim Shines with Four Goals as India Thrashes Maldives 11-1
Patiala, 02 January (Sports Desk)
India’s women’s football team started the New Year on a high note, defeating the Maldives 11-1 at the Padukone-Dravid Centre for Sports Excellence in Bengaluru on Thursday. The Blue Tigresses showcased their dominance, adding 25 goals across two friendlies while conceding just one.
Lhingdeikim’s Dream Debut
Debutant Lhingdeikim delivered an exceptional performance, scoring four goals (12’, 16’, 56’, 59’). Additional goals came from Kajol Dsouza (15’), an own goal by Maldives’ captain Hawwa Haneefa (17’), Pooja (41’), Sibani Devi (45+1’), Simran Gurung (62’, 68’), and Khumukcham Bhumika Devi (71’). Maldives’ Mariyam Rifa (27’) netted the visitors’ sole goal.
Ranked 69th in the FIFA women’s rankings, India led world No. 163 Maldives 6-1 at half-time, maintaining a strong grip throughout the match.
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Match Summary
The Maldives, coming off a 14-0 defeat in the first friendly on Monday, began the match with renewed energy. However, India quickly found their rhythm, scoring four goals within the first 17 minutes.
Lhingdeikim opened the scoring with a precise right-footed shot from inside the box. Two minutes later, she assisted Kajol Dsouza’s goal before netting her second moments after being set up by Sibani Devi. An own goal by Hawwa Haneefa further widened the gap.
Despite a shaky start, Maldives briefly rallied when Mariyam Rifa capitalized on a chance in the 27th minute. However, Pooja and Sibani Devi restored India’s dominance with late first-half goals.
Second-Half Brilliance
Lhingdeikim continued her stellar debut in the second half, completing her hat-trick in the 56th minute and adding a fourth goal just three minutes later. Substitute Simran Gurung, also making her debut, contributed two goals after entering at half-time.
In the final 20 minutes, Maldives were reduced to 10 players after Maeesha Abdul Hannan was sent off for a deliberate handball inside the penalty area. Bhumika Devi converted the resulting penalty, sealing an emphatic win for India.
Historical Context
While the victory was commanding, India’s largest win remains an 18-0 triumph against Bhutan in the 2010 SAFF Championship.
This performance underscores India’s growing strength in women’s football and provides a positive outlook for the team’s future endeavors.
