ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast: Pakistan women’s football team launched their FIFA Series campaign in spectacular fashion, thrashing Turks and Caicos Islands by a record-breaking 8-0 margin at the Stade Alassane Ouattara on Thursday.
The historic victory surpassed Pakistan’s previous best win, a 7-0 triumph against the Maldives in September 2022 – and marked a new era for women’s football in the country.
GOLAZOOOOOOOOOO!
Layla Banaras scores a banger from outside the box! #PakistanFootball #FIFASeries pic.twitter.com/9ADkqKCpS3
— Muneeb Farrukh (@Muneeb313_) April 9, 2026
First-half blitz sets the tone
Pakistan made their attacking intentions clear from the very first minute. Mariam Mahmood, fresh from winning the Welsh league title with Wrexham Women, struck the side netting with an acute-angle shot inside the opening four minutes.
After Nadia Khan tested Turks and Caicos goalkeeper Archenie Desir with a long-range effort, Pakistan opened the scoring in the 10th minute through Zahmena Malik.
Just two minutes later, Aqsa Mushtaq doubled the lead, slotting home from a rebound after Mariam had forced a save from Desir.
Layla Banaras shines in midfield
Midfield metronome Layla Banaras showcased her quality past the half-hour mark, making it 3-0 with a weaving run and a smart finish.
Mariam Mahmood finally got her name on the scoresheet in the 38th minute, expertly volleying in a cross at the back post to give Pakistan a commanding 4-0 lead at half-time.
FT: Pakistan 8-0 Turks and Caicos Islands
Dream start! Pakistan secure a brilliant victory in their debut game at a FIFA event! 💚🇵🇰⚽️#PakistanFootball #FIFASeries pic.twitter.com/yS1vwT1qHB
— Muneeb Farrukh (@Muneeb313_) April 9, 2026
Second-half onslaught continues
Pakistan showed no signs of letting up after the break. Nadia Khan planted a perfect header from a left-wing cross in the 56th minute to make it 5-0.
Aqsa Mushtaq scored a pearler in the 76th minute to extend the lead to 6-0, before Layla Banaras grabbed her second goal of the match with a perfectly placed shot from outside the box.
Record-sealing strike
Isra Khan completed the record-breaking triumph with a goal in the 81st minute, sealing an emphatic 8-0 victory for the Green-shirts.
PFF President hails historic win
Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) President Mohsen Gilani praised the team’s achievement.
“I congratulate the players and the coaching staff for creating history,” Gilani said. “This is the start of a new era for women’s football in Pakistan, and I hope the team continues in the same vein in the FIFA Series.”
The emphatic victory sends a strong message to Pakistan’s remaining opponents in the tournament as they look to build on this historic performance.
