Burnley footballer Sanah Mehdi said it was a huge 'honour' to make her debut for the Pakistan Women's team.

The 22-year-old played her first game for the country in the group match against rivals India, in South Asian Football Federation Championships held in Kathmandu, Nepal. India, the five-time champions, ran out 5-2 winners.

A second cap followed in a hard fought 1-1 draw against the eventual winners of the tournament, Bangladesh. Sanah, has now been called up for a friendly against Saudi Arabia in Qatar this December.

Sanah said: ”Growing up I didn't even know Pakistan had a Womens Football team, so I never imagined I'd be playing for them one day,"

"Once the opportunity came, and to play on the world stage in front of huge audiences is a dream come true. To represent Pakistan and become an International footballer is a huge honour and I would like to thank all the people involved in this journey”. 

“There is a large South Asian community in Lancashire and for me to take this step, I hope I can inspire other girls to follow their passions and ambitions.

Sanah previously at Accrington Stanley Women FC and now at Chorley Women FC, works at Blackburn and Darwen Borough Council.

She added: “I'm grateful to my employers to allow me the time away to achieve my dreams, they have been so supportive.”

Born and raised in Burnley, Sanah, whose parents are of Pakistani heritage, was eligible to participate in the top cup competition in Pakistan.

In the summer, Sanah starred for Karachi City at the Jinnah National Stadium Islamabad, as the side won the National Women's Football Championships.