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Chiang Mai: Nirmala Devi was all smiles after scoring her first international goal, helping India cruise to a 5-0 win over Iraq in their AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ Qualifiers Group B tie on Wednesday.

The 22-year-old defender netted India’s fourth in the 54th minute, firing home a long-range effort to mark a memorable outing in just her sixth appearance for the Blue Tigresses.

“I'm absolutely delighted to have scored my first goal for the country. It's a very special moment for me. More importantly, we played really well today and got the result we wanted,” Nirmala said.

India seized control of the match with Sangita Basfore  opening the scoring before Manisha Kalyan doubled the lead late in the first half.

Karthika Angamuthu made it 3-0 shortly after the break before Nirmala and Nongmaithem Ratanbala Devi added further gloss to the scoreline

The result saw India maintain their perfect record in the group with three wins – scoring 22 goals without conceding and setting up a mouthwatering clash with hosts Thailand on Saturday to determine the group winners.

With a place at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ on the line, Nirmala underlined the squad’s focus heading into the decisive tie.

“Our focus shifts to the game against Thailand. We’re preparing with full commitment and aim to perform even better to take another step toward qualifying for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup.”

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