Sara Didar Double Sinks India as Iran Triumphs 2–0 in Shillong

It was a night of disappointment for the Indian senior women’s football team as it fell 0–2 to Iran in the opening match of the Tri-Nation Women’s International Friendlies at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong on Tuesday. Two clinical second-half goals from substitute Sara Didar sealed a deserved victory for Iran, leaving the hosts searching for answers in their first outing since qualifying for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup.

The game marked India’s much-anticipated return to international action, but the Blue Tigresses appeared rusty and out of rhythm. Despite a goalless first half, Iran looked sharper and more composed, controlling possession and dictating the pace of play from the early minutes. Every Iranian attack seemed to unsettle the Indian defence, which was forced into several last-ditch clearances.

The warning signs came as early as the fourth minute when Indian goalkeeper Panthoi Chanu fumbled a routine cross, nearly gifting Iran an opener. Fatemeh Shaban Ghohrood was quick to pounce on the loose ball, but defender Phanjoubam Nirmala Devi scrambled back to clear off the line, the ball brushing the post on its way out.

Iran’s dominance eventually paid off in the 64th minute. Melika Motevaliitaher delivered a precise cross from the right, and India’s backline was caught napping. Zahra Ghanbari’s header crashed against the bar, but Sara Didar reacted quickest, sending an acrobatic volley into the net to make it 1–0.

Just ten minutes later, Iran struck again. A defensive lapse by Nongmaithem Ratanbala Devi allowed Didar to steal the ball near the edge of the box. With composure and precision, she fired a low shot past Panthoi, doubling Iran’s lead and effectively ending India’s hopes of a comeback.

India’s attacking struggles persisted throughout the match. Their only notable effort on target came in the 89th minute, when Lynda Kom Serto’s low free-kick forced a save from Iranian goalkeeper Raha Yazdani. Meanwhile, Iran nearly added a third in stoppage time when Ghohrood’s powerful run and strike rattled the post.

As the final whistle blew, India’s lack of cohesion and cutting edge stood exposed. The Blue Tigresses will need a stronger response when they face Nepal on October 27, while Iran will look to build on this commanding performance when they meet Nepal on October 24.