Saudi Gazette report

JEDDAH — The first Saudi women's national football team concluded its preparatory camp in Maldives, which was held for a week.

They played two friendly matches against Seychelles and Maldives, as it scored as the first international matches, in preparation for its official entry into the FIFA world ranking.

The Green Falcons managed to win the two matches with the same result (2-0). Player Al-Bandari Mubarak scored three goals, while player Mariam Al-Tamimi scored one.

Lamia bin Bahian, member of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation and Director of the Women's Football Department, confirmed that this beginning is the culmination of the efforts that have been made.

She said “I congratulate the team for making history by playing the first two matches for the women’s team and winning them.”

“I also congratulate the players and all members of the technical, administrative and medical bodies for their efforts over the past period and their cooperation to make the camp a success and make the most of this.”

"The women's team is getting the desired benefit from the camp in both technical and fitness levels, and this will certainly reflect positively on the team's performance in future matches.”

“We aspire to officially enter the international and regional competitions soon, and for the women’s team to follow the example of the men’s team in accomplishing more achievements and representing the nation,” Bahian concluded.

Monica Staab, the national team’s German coach, expressed her satisfaction with the camp, saying "In seven weeks, we were able to reach a good level, which would not have been achieved without the high spirit and discipline the players showed during training, and I am very proud of this team. I thank them one by one for what they have achieved.”

It is worth noting that the women's team started its preparatory program at a camp in Jeddah on Jan. 14, before moving on to Riyadh on Jan. 27, and finally departing to the Maldives on Feb 17.