Earlier in the opening match, Myanmar (Asia Rank 9th) thrashed Nepal (Asia Rank 20th) 3-0. Khin Moe Wai scored twice and Win Theingi Tun netted once. The tournament was inaugurated by State Sports Department Secretary-cum-Commissioner Vishal Kumar Dev.

This is the first women international football tournament in India and is being organised by All India Football Federation with the support of Government of Odisha and Football Association of Odisha. However, the opening day matches failed to attract a sizeable crowd.

For all four teams, Hero Gold Cup is a part of preparation for the Second Round of 2020 Tokyo Olympic Qualifiers. The tournament, which features a total of seven matches, carries a cash prize of Rs 7 lakh for the champions and Rs 3 lakh for the runners-up.

TEAM INDIA: Aditi Chauhan (GK, Captain), Dalima Chhibber, Sweety Devi (Lako Bhutia 90+2’), Ashalata Devi, Jabamani Tudu; Sangita  Basfore, Indumathi K (Sumithra K 66’), Ratanbala Devi; Sanju, Dangmei Grace (Ranjana Chanu 90+1’), Anju Tamang (Manisha 72’). Coach: Maymol Nedugadan Rocky.
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TOP: Players of Indian Women Team before their Hero Gold Cup opening match against Iran in Bhubaneswar on Feb 9, 2019.
RIGHT: Anju Tamang celebrates after scoring the all-important goal against Iran on Feb 9, 2019.