The Indian National Women’s Football Team had secured a gritty 3-2 victory against Malawi today. This win has been highly anticipated by the fans and the management as it is the first win in 270 days. This victory also sealed a third place finish for the Blue Tigresses in the FIFA Series 2026. India managed to hold their nerve to edge past Malawi despite the tough match circumstances.

The Blue Tigresses were going through a bit of a rough patch as they almost went through an entire calendar year without a win. This victory against Malawi would hit the reset button for their confidence as they won a neck to game. The team was praised for the composure it showed in the attacking third and in the defensive areas as well.

Late winner seals third-place finish in FIFA Series 2026 as Blue Tigresses regain confidence

The match between the India Women and the Malawi Women was a high stakes “Third Place Play-Off” game. Astam Oraon had given India the lead in the 18th minute and that gave the side some confidence. Just before the half-time whistle blew, Aveka Singh doubled the lead for India and that put India in a comfortable position for the 2nd half. Then Malawi put up a fight back by scoring two successive goals in the match. The Women in Blue almost seemed to be down and out, as when a side gets the game level after a goal deficit, the momentum shifts immediately. However, Priyadharshini Selladurai scored the decisive third goal to seal the victory against Malawi and see India across the line.

Before going into the match, the Blue Tigresses were facing criticism for their losing streak as they couldn’t get any momentum going in their favour in the tournament. Finishing 3rd in the FIFA Series 2026 provides the team international ranking points and validation of their progress against a fine opposition. The goalscorers of their side were relatively young and the side has quite good chemistry despite the mix of young talent and experience. Their offensive strategy is also becoming more clinical under pressure as with some more wins on the trot, the Indian side would look like an entirely different team.

The Blue Tigressess will have a long smile on their faces and the coaches would be breathing a sigh of relief as the period of despair has finally come to an end. The management would be pleased with the performance of the side and especially when it’s a late winner from your team, the emotion cannot be expressed in words. The Indian Women’s Team will feel much more confident going into their future endeavours.