India’s women’s team clinched third place in the FIFA Series 2026 tournament with a hard-fought 3-2 win over Malawi at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on Wednesday, thanks to a late goal from substitute Priyadharshini Selladurai.
In a lively contest between two determined sides, India edged ahead through goals from Astam Oraon and Aveka Singh before Priyadharshini’s decisive strike in the 84th minute ensured victory for the Blue Tigresses. Malawi, ranked 153rd in FIFA’s live rankings, twice fought back through Khumalo Ireen and Deborah Henry but ultimately fell short.
India began on the front foot, controlling possession early and creating pressure in the attacking third. Their intent paid off in the 18th minute when a floated corner from Nirmala Devi Phanjoubam caused confusion in the Malawian box. Goalkeeper Esther Maulidi misjudged the delivery, allowing the ball to fall kindly for Astam Oraon, who reacted quickly to score her first international goal.
Malawi responded strongly after conceding, growing into the match and pushing India onto the back foot. Their persistence was rewarded in the 42nd minute when Sanfida Nongrum fouled Bernadetta Mkandawire near the edge of the area. Ireen stepped up and curled a powerful free-kick into the top corner, despite a touch from goalkeeper Shreya Hooda.
India, however, regained the lead almost immediately. Deep into first-half stoppage time, a sharp move down the left flank saw Babina Lisham deliver a precise cross into the box, where Aveka Singh finished confidently with a volley. The goal not only restored India’s advantage but also marked Aveka’s first for the national side.
The second half saw Malawi come out with renewed energy, pressing aggressively and forcing turnovers in India’s half. Their efforts paid off just after the hour mark when a corner from Ireen led to a scramble in the box. Substitute Mulimbika Sarah got the initial touch, and Deborah Henry reacted quickest to volley home the equaliser.
With the match seemingly headed for penalties, India found a late breakthrough. In the 84th minute, Nirmala’s long free-kick from midfield found Priyadharshini Selladurai, who cut inside and calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner to seal the win.
The victory offered a strong finish for India after their 0-2 loss to Kenya in the semi-finals, highlighting resilience and emerging talent within the squad.
