Indian women's football team defeat Perth RedStar in closed-door friendly in Perth
New Delhi, February 20
The Indian senior women's team defeated the Australian side Perth RedStar FC 5-0 in a closed-door friendly match at Dalmatinac Park in Perth, Australia, on Thursday, as per an AIFF media release.
Preparing for the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026, it was the Blue Tigresses' first friendly game after arriving in Australia on February 11. Aveka Singh scored a brace, while Pyari Xaxa, Nirmala Devi Phanjoubam and Sanju netted one goal each for India.
Amelia Valverde's side will play their next friendly against Perth Azzurri on February 23 at Macedonia Park in Perth at 16:00 IST.
India will kickstart their Asian Cup Group C campaign against Vietnam on March 4 at the Perth Rectangular Stadium, followed by matches against Japan on March 7 at the same venue, and Chinese Taipei on March 10 at the Western Sydney Stadium.
India had earlier played six friendly games in Turkey against club sides from Ukraine, Russia, Switzerland, Germany and Romania, winning three, drawing one, and losing two.
The Indian women's team suffered a 0-1 defeat at the hands of FK Csikszereda Miercurea Ciuc at the Fanatic Tour Serik Sport Centre in Antalya in their most recent friendly. The Romanian club scored in the 12th minute of the match.
Before the FK Csikszereda Miercurea Ciuc contest, the Blue Tigresses beat Russian side Zvezda-2005 Perm 2-0 at the S&B Sport Football Complex in Serik, Antalya. In the match, Anju Tamang scored the early goal in the ninth minute, before Lynda Kom Serto netted late on in the 89th to secure the win for the senior Indian women's national team. The Blue Tigresses also registered a 1-0 victory over German side Hertha BSC Frauen in their fourth friendly match of the tour. In the match, Grace Dangmei scored the decisive goal in the 37th minute to secure the win for India.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Great win, but a small note of caution. It was a closed-door friendly, and Perth RedStar might not be at their full strength. The real test is against Vietnam, Japan, and Chinese Taipei. The preparation schedule looks solid though. Best of luck to the team!
So proud of our women! They are getting such valuable exposure playing against European and now Australian sides. The mix of scorers is promising - Aveka, Pyari, Nirmala, Sanju. Shows we have threats from multiple positions. Jai Hind!
Following from the UK. Impressive scoreline! The tour in Turkey with mixed results seems to have been good preparation. Beating a German side (Hertha BSC) is a notable result. Hope the momentum carries into the tournament proper.
Finally, our women's football team is getting the attention and tours they deserve. For years it was all about the men's team. These results, even in friendlies, build confidence. Hope the broadcasters show the Asian Cup matches live!
As a football fan, I love seeing this kind of international preparation. Playing in different conditions against varied opponents is key. The match against Japan will be the ultimate benchmark. Wishing the team all the best from Canada!
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