The Saudis traveled to the Maldives to beat the Seychelles 2-0 in a friendly which comes just a month after the final team was named.
It will now face the Maldives in its second match on Thursday at the National Stadium in Malé.
The team was congratulated by Brazilian soccer legend Pelé, who called it a “historic day.”
“Today is a historic day not only for you, but for everyone who loves football.”
Saudi Arabia is managed by German Monica Stubb who noted the significance of the tie even before a ball was kicked.
“And I would like to ask the players to enjoy this match and to be proud to be on this list and to have the opportunity to live this experience, which is only the beginning of what is to come.”
It is another gesture toward loosening some of the strict rules that are still imposed on women living in the ultra-conservative kingdom.
Until the last few years, Saudi women had been mostly barred from participating in sports in public.
However, Saudi leaders have been highlighting progress on gender issues at a time of scrutiny in the West over Saudi Arabia’s human rights record.
