Shillong, Oct. 23 -- It was a bitter evening for the Indian senior women's team as they slumped to a 0-2 defeat against Iran in the opening match of the Tri-Nation Women's International Friendlies at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong on Tuesday.

Two second-half goals from substitute Sara Didar sank the hosts and handed Iran a victory after the first half ended goalless, as per the AIFF website.

For India, the match was a return to action after a historic AFC Women's Asian Cup qualification campaign earlier this year and the first challenge in their preparations for next March's Asian Cup in Australia.

The Blue Tigresses looked off-colour and tentative. Iran, by contrast, were composed, physically superior on the ball, and dictat...