Ribansi jamu

The Blue Tigresses: Debutant forward Lhingdeikim netted four goals as the senior India women’s team began its 2025 international campaign on a bright note, defeating the Maldives 11-1 in the second FIFA Friendly at the Padukone-Dravid Centre for Sports Excellence, here on Thursday. The Blue Tigresses led 6-1 at half-time.

Lhingdeikim (12’, 16’, 56’, 59’), who scored two in each half, along with Nongmeikapam Sibani Devi (45+1’), were the two debutants in India’s starting XI. Meanwhile, Ribansi Jamu, Thingbaijam Sanjita Devi, Juhi Singh, Monisha Singha, Khumukcham Bhumika Devi, and Simran Gurung made their debuts off the bench. The latter scored a debut brace.

India head coach Joakim Alexandersson made wholesale changes to the team that played in the first friendly on December 30; goalkeeper Maibam Linthoingambi Devi, defender Aruna Bag, and midfielder and captain Sangita Basfore were the only players to retain their respective spots in the starting XI from the last match that India won 14-0.