Pakistan women open Fifa Series with record 8-0 win over Turks and Caicos Islands

ABIDJAN: Pakistan began their Fifa Series campaign with an emphatic 8-0 victory over the Turks and Caicos Islands at Stade Alassane Ouattara on Thursday, registering the biggest win in the history of the national women’s team.

The result surpassed Pakistan’s previous largest victory, a 7-0 win against the Maldives in September 2022. The team, coached by Adeel Rizki, laid the foundation in the first half with four goals from four different scorers before adding four more after the break.

Pakistan showed attacking intent early in the match. Mariam Mahmood, who recently won the Welsh league title with Wrexham Women, struck the side netting from a tight angle within the opening four minutes. Soon after, Nadia Khan tested Turks and Caicos goalkeeper Archenie Desir with an effort from distance.

Pakistan took the lead in the 10th minute when Zahmena Malik scored the opening goal. Two minutes later, Aqsa Mushtaq doubled the advantage after converting the rebound when Mariam’s attempt had been saved by Desir.

Pakistan continued to dominate possession and territory, keeping their opponents pinned back for much of the contest. Layla Banaras added the third goal shortly after the half-hour mark with a run through midfield followed by a composed finish.

Mariam then got on the scoresheet in the 38th minute, meeting a cross at the back post with a volley to make it 4-0 before halftime.

Pakistan maintained the same momentum in the second half. In the 56th minute, Nadia scored with a header from a cross delivered from the left to extend the lead to 5-0.

Aqsa netted her second of the match in the 76th minute to make it 6-0. Layla also completed her brace with a well-placed strike from outside the penalty area, and Isra Khan added another in the 81st minute to complete the 8-0 result.

Historic result

The win marked a new benchmark for Pakistan women’s football, improving on the team’s previous record margin of victory. The performance featured goals from Zahmena Malik, Aqsa Mushtaq, Layla Banaras, Mariam Mahmood, Nadia Khan and Isra Khan, with Aqsa and Layla each scoring twice.

Pakistan Football Federation president Mohsen Gilani praised the team and coaching staff after the match.

“I congratulate the players and the coaching staff for creating history. This is the start of a new era for women's football in Pakistan and I hope the team continues in the same vein in the Fifa series.”, he stated.

The result gave Pakistan a strong opening to their campaign in the Fifa Series and underlined the side’s control throughout the match in Abidjan.