Pakistan’s women’s football team launched their FIFA Series campaign in stunning fashion on Thursday, thrashing the Turks and Caicos Islands 8–0 at the Stade Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
Pakistan’s Attack Overwhelms Opponents Early
The Green Shirts attacked from the first whistle. Mariam Mahmood, fresh from her Welsh league title win with Wrexham Women, tested the keeper early and struck the side netting inside four minutes. Zahmena Malik then opened the scoring in the 10th minute with a cool finish. Two minutes later, Aqsa Mushtaq pounced on a rebound to make it 2–0.
Layla Banaras added a third just past the half-hour mark after a dazzling run through the middle. Mariam capped the half with a beautiful volley at the back post in the 38th minute. Four different players scored before the break, and Pakistan pinned their opponents inside their own half for almost the entire first 45 minutes.
Ruthless Second Half Seals Record Win
The second half brought even more goals as the team refused to ease off. Nadia Khan rose highest to head home a cross in the 56th minute for 5–0. Aqsa Mushtaq then curled in a beauty from distance in the 76th to stretch the lead to six. Layla Banaras grabbed her second with a perfectly placed shot from outside the box. Isra Khan rounded off the scoring in the 81st minute to complete the rout.
This 8–0 win beat Pakistan’s previous best result of 7–0 against the Maldives in 2022. Coach Adeel Rizki watched his side dominate every part of the pitch with sharp passing and relentless energy.
PFF President Mohsen Gilani congratulated the players and staff right after the final whistle. He described the victory as the start of a new era for women’s football in Pakistan.
Fans across the country celebrated late into the night. The result gives the squad huge confidence heading into the next fixtures and shines a bright light on the rapid progress of women’s football at home.
