NEW DELHI: Riding on striker Sasmita Malik's double strike, Indian women football team defeated Bahrain 2-1 in its first international friendly in Manama.

Sasmita, the captain of the side, scored her first goal as early as the third minute of the match.

Spurred by the early goal, the Indians pressed hard and were eventually rewarded in the 35th minute when Sasmita scored her second goal.

Hardly had the celebrations died, Bahrain managed to pull one back in the 36th minute. But the Indians didn't allow their opponents to dictate terms, holding onto their lead to win the match.

"They have worked hard in the camp and deserve all the praise," said chief coach Mohammad Shahid Jabbar .

An elated Sasmita declared, "It's a wonderful feeling to score both the goals in an international friendly. I want to thank all my teammates and coach for supporting me."

India next play Bahrain on September 20. The third friendly is slated for September 23.