Margao: India cruised to an 11-0 victory against Maldives in their SAFF Women's Championship 2026 opener at the Nehru Stadium in Fatorda on Monday. However, head coach Crispin Chettri was not entirely satisfied with the performance.
Coach's Concerns
"I think we are very good on the scoreboard, not on the field," Chettri told reporters after the match. "We have to improve from what we did in the second half. We have to start executing what we have been preparing. We can't waste chances. I know scoring goals is one of the most difficult jobs, but creating chances is much more important. Scoring goals will come later, but we didn't do that, so a little bit upset."
Standout Performers
Aveka, who plays for Danish second-division club Næstved HG, was impressive with her strength and sharpness inside the box. Priyangka Devi Naorem marked her return from an ACL injury with two goals and an assist in the first half-hour. Local girl Karishma Shirvoikar scored twice in 15 minutes as a second-half substitute. Pyari Xaxa, Grace Dangmei, and Sangita Basfore also found the net.
Goal Variety
The goals came from various sources: two tap-ins, well-worked moves, a lob from distance by Pyari, a free-kick from Aveka that deceived the goalkeeper, a corner-kick goal from Grace, a superb strike from Sangita, and three headers, including a low diving header from Aveka.
Match Overview
India led 5-0 at halftime. Maldives coach Sabah Mohamed Ibrahim had aimed to reduce the margin of defeat and catch India on the counter, but the visitors failed to register a single touch inside the box. Their best attempt was an ambitious long-range shot from Mariyam Noora.
Maldives' preparations were hampered when half the team missed their connecting flight and were stuck in Mumbai for 12 hours on Sunday, arriving at the team hotel just after midnight with insufficient rest before the opener.
