Saudi Arabia's Women's National Football team triumphs in its first-ever International Tournament

In a four-team tournament played in the Kingdom that included the hosts, Pakistan, Mauritius, and Comoros, the Saudi Arabia women's national football team won their maiden trophy.

Saudi Arabia finished the Women's International Friendly Tournament with 7 points after a 1-1 tie with Pakistan in their final game of the competition.

Al Bandary Mubarak's goal in the opening period gave Saudi Arabia the lead. The outcome followed victories over Mauritius (1-0, on a penalty kick by Mariam Al Tamimi) and Comoros (2-0, on goals by Noura Ibrahim and Dalia Adel). Comoros and Mauritius came in third and fourth, respectively, with 3 and 4 points, behind Pakistan, which came in second.

Saudi Arabia also achieved success on an individual level, with Sarah Khalid earning the tournament's best goalie award after allowing just one goal. Maria Jamila Khan of Pakistan won the prize for best player, and Onalaya Ali of the Comoros won the prize for top scorer.

Anoud al-first Asmari's match as an official FIFA referee was another reason to celebrate the tournament, in addition to the accomplishments of the national team players.

Al-Asmari is the first Saudi woman referee to receive a prestigious FIFA badge; she was added to the FIFA list at the start of 2023.

The historic event on Thursday opens a new chapter in the development of women's sports in Saudi Arabia.

The Prince Saud bin Jalawi Stadium in the Eastern Province served as the site of the first-ever international women's 11-a-side competition to be staged in the nation.

"This is a momentous day in Saudi Arabian football, and we congratulate the talented players in the women's national team, as well as all the management, coaching, and staff members, on this wonderful achievement," said Lamia Bahaian, supervisor of the Women's Football Department and board member at the Saudi Arabian Football Federation. 

The head coach of Saudi Arabia, Monika Staab, said: "Winning this tournament is a significant turning point for Saudi Arabian football and will instil tremendous confidence in the players as they advance in their national team careers. I'm thrilled with the players and their performance during the last three victories; it's a great springboard for the future.

It is a triumph that "very much serves as an inspiration for young girls throughout Saudi Arabia as well as the other gifted, young players in the Premier League who aspire to play international football."

Since the Saudi Arabian Football Federation created a department specifically for women's football four years ago in 2019, much progress has been accomplished.

The first-ever schools' league has 520 registered players, more than 1,000 coaches with D, C, and B licences, 25 clubs, and close to 50,000 girls.

This growth stems from a long-term plan the federation unveiled last year to increase interest in and involvement in the women's game at all levels through investments in grassroots, player development, coaching, facilities, competitions, and governance.

Saudi Arabia has been establishing itself as a major force in world football. Football has been the most popular sport in Saudi Arabia in recent years, especially in light of the recent triumph for the national team over Argentina in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, with the entire team being based in Saudi Arabia.

Cristiano Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d'Or winner and Portuguese footballer, also arrived in Saudi Arabia this month following his historic signing with the al-Nassr Football Club.