Kerala’s Malavika scores first senior India goal in 13-0 win over Mongolia

Kerala's Malavika P scored her first senior international goal on Monday, helping India crush Mongolia 13-0 in the AFC Women's Asian Cup Qualifier in Thailand.

The Kasaragod native became the first Malayali to play for senior India in 26 years when she was included in the 24-member travelling squad. She featured in a pair of pre-event friendlies but earned her first competitive minutes off the bench in the second half today.

Malavika came on as a substitute in the 65th minute in the Group B opener at Chiang Mai. India had already taken a solid 8-0 lead when Malavika joined action. 

In her first involvement, Malavika assisted Rimpa Haldar. The Keralite, deployed on the right wing, timed her run to beat the offside trap before rolling across for her fellow forward for a tap in.

Within five minutes, Malavika was rewarded with her debut goal. The Mongolian goalkeeper charged out of the box, but Kiran was quicker to the loose ball. The defender's accurate cross found an unmarked Malavika, who had an empty net to finish.

Pyari Xaxa finished with five goals, while Priyadharshini Selladurai and Soumya Guguloth bagged a brace each. Sangita Basfore and Dangmei Grace were the other scorers for Crispin Chettri's side.

Kannur native Priya P V is the assistant coach of the Indian team. Bentla D'Coth was the last Kerala player to represent India before Malavika.