The under-18 Indian girls launched the SAFF Football Championship campaign on a commanding note by routing a hapless Nepal 7-0 on opening day at JRD Tata Sports Complex in Jamshedpur on Tuesday evening.

Goals by three Jharkhand players Purnima Kumari, Nitu Linda, and Sunita Munda -- was the silver lining during the proceedings as India continued with their vice-like grip over the match.

The first goal of the evening was scored by Priyanka Sujeesh in the 15th minute while Lynda Kom scored two more in the 17th and 35th minutes respectively. In the second half, India scored back-to-back goals -- Apurna scoring in the 69th minute, followed by Purnima in the 77th minute. In the 87th minute, Sunita Munda made it 6-0 while Nitu Linda completed the demolition in added time.

In the first half, India dominated possession and was soon rewarded when Priyanka Sujeesh went past the goalkeeper to slot it home in the 15th minute. Two minutes later, Lynda Kom scored the second off a brilliant pass from Anita Kumari from the left. Lynda Kom scored her second in the 35th minute – this time off another magnificent cross from outside the box by defender Ritu Devi.

Lynda almost completed her hat-trick in the 42nd minute but narrowly missed the target as India headed to the half-time enjoying a three-goal cushion.

Changing over, the storyline remained the same with India dominating the proceedings. Head Coach Thomas Dennerby made his first change in the 46th minute when Martina and Lynda were replaced by Apurna and Shubhang, respectively. Apurna netted the fourth goal as she curled it with her left foot.

Substitutions followed -- Priyanka Sujeesh and Naketa were replaced by Nitu Linda and Poonam. The fifth goal came in the 77th minute – Purnima Kumari heading it in off an Astam free-kick.

Sunita Munda made it 6-0 in the 87th minute, while Nitu Linda scored the last one of the day in 90+6 when she tapped in Anita Kumari’s cross.

Earlier, the championship was inaugurated by sports minister Hafizul Hassan in the presence of sports secretary Zeeshan Qamar, Tata Steel vice-president Chanakya Chaudhary, health minister Banna Gupta, Jamshedpur East MLA Sarayu Roy and senior SP M Tamil Vanan, and others.

Hassan said Jharkhand hosting the SAFF Championship is a matter of pride. "We are also proud about the fact that six girls from the state are part of the national team," he added.