The Indian women’s football team began their Tri-Nation Friendly campaign in Shillong with a frustrating 0–2 defeat against Iran a result that reflected both promise and profligacy.
Under the floodlights at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, the Blue Tigresses showed flashes of intent but were undone by lapses in concentration and wastefulness in front of goal. For India, this was more than just a friendly. It was a test of their evolving tactical shape under interim coach Crispin Chettri, and a measure of progress against one of Asia’s most resilient defensive units.
But despite early control and a few bright attacking moments, Iran’s clinical second-half performance led by forward Sara Didar’s brace was enough to secure the win and leave India with much to reflect upon ahead of their next match against Nepal on October 27.
Early Exchanges: Cautious Beginnings, Nervy Moments
The atmosphere was lively as Shillong hosted its first senior women’s international in years. The match kicked off at 6:04 PM IST with India donning their bright orange kits against Iran’s traditional white.
Iran, led by AFC Women’s Coach of the Year Maryam Azmoon, started with structured intensity. Within the opening three minutes, they nearly capitalised on a defensive mix-up in India’s backline a communication error that almost gifted the opener to the visitors. It was an early warning that the Blue Tigresses struggled to fully heed.
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India’s attacking intent came mostly through the right flank, where Pyari Xaxa began linking up well with Karishma Shirvoikar. In the 12th minute, Pyari’s darting run and low cross signaled India’s gradual settling into the game. However, Iran dominated possession through the first quarter, controlling the tempo and keeping India pinned deep.
By the 25th minute, Iran’s pressure had forced India to defend in numbers. The Persian side enjoyed long spells on the ball, forcing goalkeeper Maibam Linthoingambi Devi to stay alert. Yet, despite Iran’s superior possession, India’s compact defending ensured the first half remained goalless.
India’s Missed Opportunities: Sangita and Karishma Falter Upfront
The second half opened with renewed urgency. As the clock ticked into the 45th minute, the Indian Football Team’s social media post summed it up: “All to play for in the next 45 minutes. A draw would see both teams go after goal difference against Nepal, whereas a win for either will be a big advantage.”
India came close early after the restart. In the 60th minute, Lynda Kom pounced on a loose clearance, her half-volley sailing just over the bar from 12 yards. Barely a minute later, coach Chettri made his first changes bringing on Rimpa Haldar and Malavika P for Pyari and Karishma, signaling a more direct approach.
It was a substitution that followed a moment of frustration. Just before coming off, Karishma missed perhaps India’s best chance of the game failing to connect cleanly from close range after a cross from the left. The miss summed up India’s evening: moments of promise, undone by poor execution.
The breakthrough for Iran arrived in the 64th minute, and it felt inevitable. After sustained pressure, Sara Didar latched onto a clever through ball and finished with composure, slotting past Linthoingambi. It was a deserved lead Iran had created more and asked persistent questions of the Indian defense.
India tried to respond through Sangita Basfore, whose long-range efforts began to threaten. Her shot in the 69th minute hit the side netting, followed by another half-volley that narrowly cleared the crossbar seven minutes later. But before India could build momentum, Iran doubled their advantage in the 74th minute again through Didar.
It was a clean finish, perfectly timed to punish India’s defensive lapse. The second goal effectively sealed the contest, leaving India chasing shadows in the closing stages.
Late Push, But No Reward
To their credit, the Blue Tigresses didn’t give up. Sangita remained India’s liveliest outlet, forcing Iran’s goalkeeper Raha Yazdani into a reflex save from a dipping 30-yard free kick in the 89th minute.
Chettri introduced fresh legs late on Kiran Pisda and debutant Santosh replacing Nirmala Phanjoubam and Martina Thokchom in defense but it was too little, too late. Despite flashes of energy, India lacked the cutting edge to truly trouble Iran’s disciplined backline. At full time, the scoreboard read Iran 2–0 India, and the gulf between promise and productivity was painfully evident.
While the result will sting, India’s first-half defensive organisation was encouraging. Ashalata Devi marshaled the backline with composure, and Sweety Devi dealt effectively with aerial threats. The midfield pairing of Sangita Basfore and Anju Tamang provided balance, even if transitions from defense to attack were inconsistent.
However, the lack of precision in the final third remains India’s biggest concern. Karishma and Pyari’s movements created openings, but finishing a recurring issue in recent matches continues to hold the side back. The wingers struggled to deliver decisive crosses, and the strikers often found themselves isolated against Iran’s compact defensive shape.
Chettri’s substitutions showed tactical flexibility, but India’s inability to sustain tempo across both halves remains an area for development. Fitness and match sharpness especially for players returning from the domestic off-season were visibly lacking in the final 20 minutes.
The Shillong crowd stayed vocal till the end, urging the team on even as defeat loomed. For a young Indian side in transition, these friendlies are vital learning experiences. Iran, ranked higher and boasting continental experience, provided a stern examination one that exposed both structural positives and individual shortcomings.
India’s focus now shifts to their second match on October 27 against Nepal, a fixture that suddenly carries extra weight. A win there is non-negotiable if the Blue Tigresses are to finish the Tri-Nation series with confidence and momentum. Chettri’s side will need sharper finishing, quicker wing play, and greater creativity in midfield. More importantly, they must rediscover the self-belief that marked their Asian Cup run three years ago.
For now, Shillong’s lights dim on a night that promised much but delivered lessons instead.
Final Score: Iran 2–0 India
Goals: Sara Didar (64’, 74’)
Next Match: India vs Nepal, October 27, 2025, Shillong.
