Five-time champions India launched their SAFF Women’s Championship campaign with a 5-2 victory over Pakistan at the Dasharath Stadium in Kathmandu on Thursday.

Grace Dangmei scored a brace for India, while Manisha Kalyan, Bala Devi Ngangom and Jyoti Chouhan were also on target.

Suha Hirani and Kayla Siddiqi scored for Pakistan.

India, who are looking to reclaim the SAFF throne after losing it to Bangladesh in 2022, made their intent clear with a powerful display.

India took the lead in the 5th minute through Dangmei, who received a low cross from Ranjana Chanu at the edge of the area and rocketed a powerful shot into the back of the net.

Kalyan doubled India’s lead in the 17th minute with a superb finish after running into a through pass from Bala Devi.

Bala Devi then added India’s third in the 35th minute, smashing an indirect freekick into the top corner.

Grace added her individual second seven minutes later with a tight-angled half-volley after Pakistan’s backline failed to clear a cross from Chanu.

Pakistan went into the break reducing the deficit to 4-1 from a penalty kick, which was awarded to them after Ashalata Devi brought down Nadia Khan inside the box in the first half injury time. Hirani stepped up and gave India goalkeeper Elangbam Panthoi no chance.

The Pakistani were a completely different side after the break and reduced India’s advantage quickly after the restart when Siddiqi found Rameen Fareed’s deflected attempt just outside the six yard box and sent it into the bottom corner.

The second goal instilled a sense of an improbable fightback into Pakistan and went close to scoring twice after the hour mark, with Zahmena Malik finding an open chance from close range in the 60th and Amina reaching close to scoring from open play four minutes later. But Pakistan lacked clinical touch and missed both opportunities.

Chouhan then punished Pakistan adding their winning goal in the 78th heading in a corner from Dalima Chhibber.

India play Bangladesh in their next Group A game on Wednesday. Pakistan play against Bangladesh on Sunday.

SAFF Women’s Championship

Pakistan2-5India

Suha Hirani 45+2’ (P)

Kayla Siddiqi 47’

Grace Dangmei 5’, 42’

Manisha Kalyan 17’

Bala Devi 35’

Jyoti Chauhan 78’

Playing Friday

Sri Lanka13:30Maldives