SHARJAH, Feb 20: India started their Pink Ladies Cup 2025 journey with a decisive 2-0 win against Jordan on Thursday.
Midfielder Naorem Priyangka Devi (23′) and winger Manisha (54′) scored in each half, marking India’s first victory under head coach Crispin Chettri.
Priyangka netted the opener with a long-distance shot that caught the Jordanian goalkeeper off balance.
India came close to extending their lead moments later, but Manisha missed from a short distance.
Jordan applied pressure early in the second half, but India’s defense, anchored by captain Ngangbam Sweety Devi and young star Purnima Kumari, held strong.
India took advantage of a counterattack in the latter half, where Manisha made a solo run and scored at the near post.
Late in the game, Lisham Babina Devi made her international debut as a substitute.
Karishma Shirvoikar set up one last opportunity for Priyangka, but Jordan’s defense intervened just in time.
India goalkeeper Shreya Hooda preserved the clean sheet with a spectacular point-blank save during injury time, denying a header from Lana Feras. (PTI)
