India vs Maldives Player Ratings: Aveka Singh impresses in SAFF Women's Championship 2026 clash against Maldives
India scored 11 goals against Maldives
The Indian women’s football team started their SAFF Women’s Championship 2026 campaign with a dominating win over Maldives, scoring in double digits and completely outplaying them.
A brace from Priyangka Naorem and a stunning hattrick from Aveka Singh were the major talking points from the game, but several other players also stepped up with impressive performances.
Karishma, Sangita Basfore, Ranjana Chanu, Juli Kishan and Purnima Kumari all played key roles and deserve a special shoutout for their contributions.
As India now move forward to face Bangladesh in their next group stage match. Let us take a look at who impressed the most in this game and the player ratings.
India Player Ratings
Shreya Hooda: 7/10
Shreya Hooda was barely tested throughout the game and had very little to do, which is usually a positive sign for a goalkeeper.
A decent outing overall, but there was not much to judge her on, due to the lack of attacking intent from Maldives.
Grace Dangmei: 7/10
Despite getting on the scoresheet, captain Dangmei had a fairly average outing overall and missed a few clear chances. However, she looked lively after coming on in the second half and added some spark to the attack.
The experienced player still has room to improve in the upcoming game against Bangladesh, and it will not be easy.
Purnima Kumari: 7.5/10
The centre back pairing Purnima Kumari and Juli Kishan looked very solid throughout the game.
Purnima Kumari impressed with her forward runs in the midfield and composure from the back. However, Maldives offered very little attacking threat overall.
Juli Kishan: 7.5/10
A solid display at the back and brilliant ball progression from Juli Kishan stood out in this game. The centre back pairing of Juli Kishan and Purnima was very good throughout the game.
Sangita Basfore: 8/10
Sangita Basfore may not have been very noticeable at times, but that often reflected how well she was doing her job in the midfield pivot alongside Jasoda Munda.
She was also impressive while carrying the ball forward, provided the assist for India’s opening goal, and finished off her performance with a stunning long range strike in the second half.
Pyari Xaxa: 7/10
Pyari Xaxa had a decent outing and even got on the scoresheet, but her impact on the right flank was not very noticeable for most of the game.
She looked more lively in the second half, although there is still room for improvement in the upcoming match against Bangladesh.
Ranjana Chanu: 8/10
Ranjana Chanu delivered a brilliant performance as left back, constantly making dangerous forward runs and whipping in crosses with ease.
She was also impressive with her corners while remaining solid defensively throughout the game. The experienced defender showed her quality and looked very good overall.
Priyangka Naorem: 8.5/10
Priyangka Naorem looked brilliant on the field, showing great eagerness and intensity with her pressing throughout the game.
She scored a brace and also set up Pyari’s goal, making a huge impact especially in the first half. Although she faded a bit after the break, it was still a very good performance overall from the attacking midfielder.
Jasoda Munda: 7.5/10
Jasoda Munda was very good alongside her midfield partner Sangita Basfore, bringing energy, dynamism and relentless work rate in the middle of the park.
She played like an engine for the team before being substituted at the half time.
Aveka Singh: 10/10
The false 9 role suited Aveka Singh perfectly as she delivered a sensational performance throughout the game. She scored 4 goals tonight, including one from a free kick, while also providing two assists meaning a total of 6 goal contributions.
Beyond the numbers, her movement was exceptional, often dropping deep and dragging defenders with her to create space for her teammates. It was a brilliant all round display from the midfielder turned forward.
Sarita Yumnam: 7.5/10
Sarita had a very good outing on the right side, contributing well both defensively and offensively throughout the game.
With Pyari not having a huge impact on right flank, Sarita ended up doing much of the heavy lifting and looked very solid overall.
Substitutes
Karishma Shirvoikar: 8/10
Karishma came at the break replacing Pyari Xaxa from the first half. Karishma looked very well both centrally and, on the flanks, going forward. She even managed to score 2 brilliant goals in the second half and looked dangerous the entire time she played.
Malavika: 7/10
Malavika came in replacing Jasoda Munda at the break and looked very good in the second half. She kept creating chances after chances and looked lively throughout the game. Malavika managed to gel in very well with the entire team and looked very promising.
Ribansi Jamu: NA
Came in replacing the starting goalkeeper Shreya Hooda in the second half as there were no major threats from Maldives. So, there is not much to judge her from.
Thoibisana Chanu: 7/10
Thoibisana came in the late second half in place of Juli Kishan and did her job very commendably. Looked calm and collected the entire time she played.
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Ayushman Sharma is a sports enthusiast with a deep love for football, following the game closely since 2018. A hardcore supporter of NorthEast United FC and FC Barcelona, he has also gained valuable on-ground experience by volunteering during FIFA World Cup Qualifiers in Guwahati.