Saudis take step towards top FIFA rankings with home win

January 22 - Saudi Women have emerged victorious from their first international tournament, beating Pakistan, Mauritius and Comoros in their home competition as they see their first FIFA rankings.

Saudi Arabia drew 1-1 with Pakistan in their last match to top the Women's International Friendly Tournament standings with 7 points. The Saudis started with victories against Mauritius 1-0, thanks to Mariam Al Tamimi's goal from the penalty spot, and the Comoros 2-0, following goals from Noura Ibrahim and Dalia Adel. The Saudis were leading 1-0 and Saudi Arabia opened the scoring with Al Bandary Mubarak's first-half strike before Pakistan equalized.

Pakistan finished second in the table with 4 points, followed by Comoros and Mauritius with 3 points respectively.

Lamia Bahaian, supervisor of the women's football department and board member of the Saudi Football Federation, said: "It's a momentous day in Saudi football... Winning this tournament will inspire many young people girls across the Kingdom to get involved in football and experience all the joys the beautiful game has to offer.

"We thank each of Comoros, Pakistan and Mauritius for coming to Saudi Arabia to participate in the tournament, wish them well in their own women's football development initiatives and look forward to playing them again in the tournament. land in the future."

Saudi Arabia has evolved rapidly since the creation of a dedicated women's football department at the Saudi Football Federation in 2019. There are now 520 registered players, more than 1,000 licensed D, C and B coaches, 25 clubs and almost 50,000 girls in the first school league.

SAFF has also launched a professional women's league - with teams based around their main men's clubs in the Kingdom - and has plans for a second division.

The average age of the Saudi women's team at the tournament was 23.

Saudi Arabia Head Coach Monika Staab said: "Winning this tournament is a milestone in Saudi football and will give the players great confidence in advancing their national team careers. I am delighted with the players and the way they have fared in the last three games - it's a huge stepping stone for future success."

Part of that future is the ambition to host more tournaments. Saudi Arabia is a candidate to host the AFC Women's Asian Cup in 2026.

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