Manisha Kalyan becomes the first Indian footballer to score in UEFA Champions League

Manisha Kalyan, the 21-year-old forward of the Indian women's national team, made history on Saturday by becoming the first Indian ever to score in the UEFA Women's Champions League.

Manisha, who plays for Apollon Ladies FC, scored the goal against WFC Samegrelo of Georgia.

"Here she goes! 1st Indian to score in the UEFA Women's Champions League," wrote Apollo Ladies on its social media account.

The Indian striker, who started the game on the bench, stepped into the field as a substitute in the 55th minute of the second half.

Even though Manisha could not convert the first chance she got, but succeeded in the second in the 71st minute.

The Indian received a pass just inside the WFC Samegrelo box on the left. After finding the goalkeeper Andrea Fernandes coming out of line, she dispatched the ball into the goal through the far corner.

Apollon Ladies won the match 3-0 and advanced to the second round.

Manisha has been in impressive form. Last week, during the UWCL qualifiers against ZFK Ljuboten, she had three assists as Apollon Ladies defeated the North Macedonian side 9-0.

Originally from Muggowal, located in the district of Horshiarpur, Punjab, Manisha joined Apollon Ladies, a first-division side in Cyprus, in 2022, on a two-year deal.

Manisha made rapid progress in her career. In the 2020–21 season, she was named the AIFF Women's Emerging Footballer of the Year. In 2022–23, she was recognized as the AIFF Women's Player of the Year.