The Indian women’s football team suffered a 2-1 loss against hosts Jordan in the first of two friendlies at the Petra Stadium in Amman on Sunday.

These matches are part of India’s preparations for the first round of AFC Women’s Olympic Qualifiers for Paris 2024 in the Kyrgyz Republic next month.

The Jordan women’s football team began the proceedings with intent, racing to a two-goal lead within the opening quarter.

India’s centre-back Ritu Rani was unfortunate as a pass from a Jordanian player took a deflection off her and went into the Indian net for an own goal.

India head coach Thomas Dennerby’s decision to line up with five defenders – Sweety, Ritu and Ashalata in the middle, with Ranjana and Dalima as fullbacks – did have an impact but failed to stop the home team from scoring.

Missing the duo of Manisha Kalyan and Soumya Guguloth due to their club commitments in Europe, India head coach Thomas Dennerby had limited options in attack.

In the second half, Renu, Karishma Shirvoikar and Apurna Narzary came on, and India began to assert themselves in the final third.

Renu pulled one back 16 minutes from time, applying the finishing touch to a brilliant team move.

Ritu picked out Anju Tamang with a forward pass. The midfielder then dribbled into the penalty area and squared the ball for Renu, who tapped it in with ease at the near post.

However, the goal ended up as a mere consolation for the Indian football team, who will now look to bounce back in the second friendly against Jordan at the same venue on Wednesday.