India international Manisha Kalyan marked an important milestone in her overseas club career, scoring her first goal for Peruvian side Alianza Lima Women’s Team in an international friendly against Universidad Católica in Chile.
The 24-year-old attacker’s strike came in Alianza Lima’s emphatic 4-1 victory at the Claro Arena on February 20, underlining her growing influence within the squad just weeks after completing her move from Greek club PAOK in January.
Kalyan, who also registered an assist in the same fixture, was among the standout performers as Alianza Lima dominated proceedings in their first international friendly of the pre-season tour. The Indian forward’s contribution added to goals from Neidy Romero, Nisa Márquez and Alondra Vílchez as the Peruvian champions secured a comprehensive result on foreign soil.
The outing capped a promising start to life in South America for Kalyan, who had already featured prominently in Alianza Lima’s 3-1 win over Deportiva Universitaria earlier in the month. She played 80 minutes in that match, which marked her first appearance and start for the club following her January transfer.
Her move to Alianza Lima makes her one of only two players in the current Indian national team setup competing professionally outside the domestic circuit, alongside Aveka Singh, who plays for Danish side Næstved HG. Both players are expected to join the national squad in Australia for the upcoming AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 following the conclusion of their respective club commitments.
Kalyan’s growing presence at club level comes at a crucial juncture for Indian women’s football, with the national team set to begin their Asian Cup campaign next month. The tournament carries added significance this time around, as it will serve as a direct qualification pathway to the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027.
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India’s squad for the continental event continues to be largely shaped by domestic club representation. East Bengal FC lead the way with eight players in the national team setup, followed by Sethu FC with six representatives and Sribhumi FC contributing four. NITA FA have three players included in the squad, while Gokulam Kerala FC account for two. Garhwal United FC have one representative in the squad.
The presence of players like Kalyan and Singh in overseas leagues adds an additional dimension to India’s preparations, bringing exposure to different tactical systems, training environments and competitive standards. In recent years, the importance of such international experience has grown significantly, particularly as Asian teams continue to close the gap with traditional powerhouses in women’s football.
Kalyan, who has been a regular feature in India’s attacking lineup, will be expected to play a key role in the team’s forward unit during the Asian Cup. Her ability to operate across the frontline, combined with improved physicality and game awareness developed through stints in Europe and now South America, could provide India with an added attacking edge against stronger opposition.
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India are placed in Group C for the upcoming tournament and will begin their campaign against Vietnam before facing Japan and Chinese Taipei in the remaining group fixtures. With World Cup qualification on the line, the national team will be banking on both domestic cohesion and international exposure within the squad to navigate a challenging group.
For Kalyan, the timely goal in Alianza Lima colours not only signals her growing comfort in a new footballing environment but also offers a boost in confidence ahead of national duty. As she prepares to link up with the Indian squad in Australia, her performances abroad may well prove to be a valuable asset in India’s quest for a historic qualification to the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
