Male — Saudi Arabia’s women’s national football team has won its first-ever international match, beating the Seychelles 2-0 in a friendly game in the Maldives on Sunday.
The team trained by German coach Monika Staab took the lead just 14 minutes into the tie, with Al-Bandari Mubarak scoring the first goal.
Maryam Al-Tamimi scored a penalty early in the second half to take her to 2-0.
“Our goal for the players is to gain the experience necessary to play international matches,” said the German coach, “in addition to our aim for our official entry into the FIFA classification.”
Recommended: A Strong Turnout, as 700 Women Footballers vie For A Spot on The First Saudi Women’s National Team
The Saudi side will face the Maldives in their next match on February 24. Last month, the team was established and traveled to the Maldives this week to play matches against the host nation and Seychelles.
Staab said the purpose of the mini-tournament was to get as much experience as possible.
“The goal is for the players to gain enough experience to play international games and additionally gain official FIFA classification.”
The administration of Women’s Football at the Saudi Arabian Football Federation; is confident that these two fixtures will start a journey to see the team eventually gain FIFA certification.
Also, Brazil legend Pele took to Twitter to express his admiration for the Saudi side; “Today is a historic day for you and for everyone who loves football.”
Recommended: The ‘Arabian Jewel’ Majed Ahmed Abdullah
“I want to congratulate the [Saudi Arabia Football Federation] and their Women’s National Football Team for their first-ever official [FIFA] match,” he wrote.
