India’s senior women’s team thumped Bangladesh 5-1 in a Group A match of the 3rd South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Women’s Championship here Saturday.
India bossed their neighbours from start to finish, scoring four times in the second period, after leading 1-0 at half-time. Striker Bala Devi netted twice with Upamati Devi, Mandakini Devi, and Indumathi also getting on the scoresheet.
India are now on six points from two outings and will take on Afghanistan next in the last group game Monday.
Left back Upamati broke the deadlock just when it seemed Bangladesh had done enough to thwart India in the first 45 minutes, striking in the opening half added time, finishing a well-worked move from close range.
Substitute Mandakini Devi came off the bench at half-time to score in the 49th minute, tucking in a Prameshwori Devi low cross from the left flank.
Bala was then brought down inside the area and she converted from the spot to make it 3-0 in the 57th minute.
Right winger Indumathi piled more misery on Bangladesh in the 76th minute, skipping past defenders to send her shot diagonally into the far corner for the fourth goal.
Bangladesh pulled one back in the 85th minute but Bala again stretched the lead with a composed strike to complete the scoreline.
