In a scintillating display of tactical prowess and team spirit, the India senior women’s national team affectionately known as the Blue Tigresses opened their Pink Ladies Cup 2025 campaign with a commanding 2-0 win over Jordan at the Al Hamriya Sports Club Stadium on Thursday, February 20, 2025.
From the opening whistle, the Blue Tigresses adopted a cautious yet purposeful approach. With much of their attacking intent channeled through the left flank, the Indian side looked to create openings by having Naorem Priyangka Devi orchestrate plays that would allow her teammates to breach the Jordan defense.
The visitors, however, were not without their own opportunities. Jordan’s forward Roukayah Al Fararjeh nearly capitalized on a breakaway when she was played through behind India’s last defender, Sanju, only to be thwarted by a superb save from Indias goalkeeper, Shreya Hooda.
The turning point of the match arrived in the 23rd minute when Priyangka stepped up to seize her moment.
From approximately 25 yards out, she unleashed a powerful strike that caught the Jordan goalkeeper, Alshalabe, off guard. The misjudged bounce of the ball resulted in a goal, igniting the Indian bench and setting the tone for what was to come.
This early breakthrough not only lifted the teams spirits but also signaled their determination to take control of the match.
Shortly after the opener, India continued to push forward. Forward Sandhiya Ranganathan exploited a momentary lapse in the Jordan defensive structure, darting into the box and laying off a well-timed pass for winger Manisha.
Although her initial effort sailed over the crossbar, the buildup demonstrated Indias intent and creative play in the final third. Meanwhile, Jordan sought to counter the momentum.
Towards the end of the first half, Bana Bitar nearly turned the tide for the hosts by delivering a cross from the left that threatened to unsettle the Indian defense, but her teammates were unable to connect in time, leaving the Blue Tigresses with a slender yet promising lead at halftime.
The second half witnessed a burst of energy from the Jordan side as they emerged with renewed intent. Yet, the Blue Tigresses were well-prepared.
The defense, marshalled by captain Ngangbam Sweety Devi and the resilient youngster Purnima Kumari, absorbed the initial pressure, ensuring that the gap did not widen.
Capitalizing on counter-attacking opportunities, Indias midfield and wing play began to impose their style on the game.
In a thrilling sequence just before the hour mark, the pace of the game quickened. Soumya Guguloth, showing remarkable vision, delivered an accurate aerial through ball to Manisha.
With her trademark speed, Manisha burst into the box, skillfully maneuvering past her marker before unleashing a deceptive shot with her left toe. The ball curled past the near-post, doubling Indias lead and firmly establishing their dominance over the match.
Coach Crispin Chettri’s tactical adjustments in the closing stages further underscored the teams depth. With a series of substitutions highlighted by the international debut of Lisham Babina Devi he aimed to solidify the midfield and provide fresh legs for the final minutes.
Although Karishma Purushottam Shirvoikar created a promising opportunity for a potential third goal, a sliding save from Ayah Al-Majali and a point-blank save by Shreya Hooda ensured that the clean sheet remained intact.
The comprehensive 2-0 victory not only marks a confident start to India’s Pink Ladies Cup campaign but also serves as a testament to the collective effort of the squad.
With standout performances from Priyangka and Manisha, and effective guidance from Head Coach Crispin Chettri, Assistant Coach Priya PV, and Goalkeeping Coach Dipankar Choudhury, the Blue Tigresses have sent a resounding message to their competitors: they are here to compete and excel.
As the tournament unfolds, the Indian side will be looking to build on this momentum, confident that their blend of tactical acumen, individual brilliance, and unwavering team spirit will carry them far in the prestigious Pink Ladies Cup 2025.
