Margao: India, as expected, cruised to an 11-0 win against Maldives in their SAFF Women's Championship 2026 opener, but there is a reason why coach Crispin Chettri was not entirely happy at the Nehru Stadium in Fatorda on Monday.
"I think we are very good on the scoreboard, not on the field," the India coach told reporters after the game. "We have to improve from what we did in the second half. We have to start executing what we have been preparing. We cannot waste chances. I know scoring a goal is one of the most difficult jobs, but creating chances is much more important for me. Scoring goals will come later, but we did not do that, so a little bit upset."
Against Maldives, the result was never really in doubt. India have scored 68 goals against their opponents, winning six of their seven matches. They added 11 more on Monday, with Aveka Singh scoring four, including three in the second half.
Among the newer faces in the India team, Aveka stood out. Her experience of playing for Danish second-division club Næstved HG since August last year made a difference. She was strong, sharp inside the box, and finished most chances that fell at her feet.
Priyangka Devi Naorem marked her return to competitive football after recovering from an ACL injury with two goals and an assist inside the first half hour. Local girl Karishma Shirvoikar scored two in 15 minutes as a second-half substitute, while Pyari Xaxa, Grace Dangmei, and Sangita Basfore were also among the goals.
The goals came from everywhere: there were two tap-ins, a couple of well-worked moves, Pyari lobbed one from distance over the out-of-position goalkeeper, and Aveka's freekick bounced in front of the keeper and bamboozled her. There was a goal from a corner kick as Grace darted in from nowhere to complete the move. Sangita's super strike from the top of the box came out of nowhere, while there were three headers, including a brilliant low diving one from Aveka for the team's last and her fourth.
India led 5-0 at the change of ends.
The home team were eager to start the goal count but appeared hasty in front of goal. Then Priyangka opened the floodgates in the 11th minute, chesting home a cross from Sangita. Her second came from a through ball.
Maldives knew what to expect from India. Coach Sabah Mohamed Ibrahim had made it clear during the pre-match media interaction that the aim was to reduce the margin of defeat and catch the home team on the counter. The visitors did not have even a single touch inside the box, and their best attempt was an ambitious long ranger from Mariyam Noora.
It did not help Maldives that half the team missed their connecting flight and were stuck in Mumbai for 12 hours on Sunday. Arriving at the team hotel a little after midnight, the players did not have enough rest before their opener.
India now face Bangladesh, who have won the last two editions, in the concluding group-stage clash on Sunday. By that time, they will know if the goals they scored against Maldives are enough.
