Blue Tigresses Struggle To Find Their Bite; Iran Sink India 2–0 In Shillong

Last Updated:October 21, 2025, 23:36 IST

Sara Didar scored twice as Iran beat India 2–0 in Shillong, with Blue Tigresses struggling after their AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualification.

(Credit: AIFF Media)

It was a tough night for the Indian women’s football team in Shillong, as they fell 0–2 to Iran in their opening match of the Tri-Nation Women’s International Friendlies.

Two second-half goals from substitute Sara Didar sealed the deal for Iran and left India chasing shadows for much of the match.

This game marked India’s first outing since their historic AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualification campaign earlier this year — but instead of building on that momentum, the Blue Tigresses looked rusty and off the pace.

Iran Dictate Early, India on the Back Foot

Iran were the sharper side from the opening whistle. Within just four minutes, a nervous fumble by goalkeeper Panthoi Chanu nearly gifted the visitors an early goal, but Nirmala Devi’s desperate clearance kept the score level.

From there, Iran tightened their grip — composed on the ball, strong in duels, and tactically assured.

India, on the other hand, struggled to connect passes or test Iran’s backline. Their midfield looked hesitant, and forward momentum was largely missing.

Sara Didar Turns the Tide

Iran’s breakthrough came in the 64th minute. A precise cross from Melika Motevaliitaher found Zahra Ghanbari, whose header hit the crossbar. The rebound fell perfectly for Sara Didar, who acrobatically smashed home to make it 1–0.

Didar wasn’t done. Ten minutes later, a defensive lapse from Ratanbala Devi gifted her another chance — and the Iranian striker coolly slotted past Panthoi to double the lead.

Late Push, Little Punch

India’s only real chance came in the dying moments — an 89th-minute free kick from Lynda Kom Serto that was comfortably parried away by Iran’s Raha Yazdani.

The visitors nearly added a third in stoppage time when Fatemeh Shaban Ghohrood hit the post.

For India, the defeat was a wake-up call before they face Nepal on October 27, while Iran next play Nepal on October 24.

Siddarth Sriram

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...Read More

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...

Read More

News sports Blue Tigresses Struggle To Find Their Bite; Iran Sink India 2–0 In Shillong

Read More