Saudi has recorded another milestone for the kingdom by hosting its first-ever women’s 11-a-side international football tournament. The teams playing in the tournament were Saudi Arabia, Comoros, Pakistan and Mauritius.
The friendly tournament begun on January 11 and will commence on Thursday, January 19. The opening matches were held in the Prince Saud bin Jalawi Stadium in Dammam.
The Saudi Arabia team took the victory over Mauritius and Pakistan beat Comoros.
The referee for Pakistan, Comoros match was Anoud Al Asmari, the first Saudi female make it to the official FIFA referee list.
“The hosting of this tournament in Saudi Arabia marks a milestone moment not just for women’s football and the growth of the game in the kingdom, but for football itself. It is an event that can play a big role in inspiring millions of young girls across the country and the Asian continent to become involved in the beautiful game,” said Lamia Bahaian, Supervisor of the Women’s Football Department at the Saudi Arabian Football Federation.
“The Saudi Arabian Football Federation is also delighted at the success of Anoud Al Asmari in officiating her first match as an official FIFA referee and look forward to helping develop her huge potential on the international stage. Her appointment is an important moment for football in the country and the region and provides another example of a Saudi woman in a prestigious position that can inspire girls across the Kingdom and beyond. We welcome each of Comoros, Pakistan and Mauritius to Saudi Arabia and wish them the best of luck in the tournament,” she added.
Further tournament matches include Saudi Arabia versus Comoros and Pakistan versus Mauritius on Sunday, January 15. Concluding fixtures will take place on Thursday, January 19 where Saudi Arabia will play Pakistan and Comoros play Mauritius.
“This tournament presents enormous room for advancing football in the kingdom – we are very proud to be expanding opportunities for our current squad of talented international footballers, while providing a pathway for future generations of Saudi Arabian girls,” said Monika Staab, the Saudi Arabia Head Coach.
“Our Green Falcons are working very hard towards the goal of entering the official FIFA rankings, and the event we are hosting will help improve standards across the board. These are exciting times for women’s football in Saudi Arabia and I would encourage all girls and women to find out more and become involved in the game,” the German added.
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