India U- 20 Women
India U- 20 Women NT bashed Indonesia U-20 in 6-0 victory in Women’s AFC Qualifiers on Thursday,
The Indian U-20 Women’s National Team maintained their perfect record in Group F of the AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers Round 1, with a resounding 6-0 win over Indonesia on Thursday, March 9, 2024, at the Viet Tri Stadium in Vietnam. The victory follows a 7-0 thrashing of Singapore in their opening match and places India firmly at the top of the table with six points and an impressive goal difference of 13.
India’s Head Coach, Maymol Rocky, made three changes to her starting line-up from their previous match. Hemam Shilky Devi replaced Linda Chanu as centre-back, Lisham Babina Devi came in for Martina Thokchom in midfield, and Neha started on the left wing instead of Sumati Kumari. The tactical adjustments proved successful, as India dominated proceedings from the outset, with the young team displaying their impressive skills and ability to control the game.
The Indian team’s captain, Apurna Narzary, had an early opportunity to put her side ahead in the third minute of the game when she unleashed a powerful left-footed strike that hit the post. However, it was Neha who opened the scoring in the very next minute, tapping in a cutback from Anita Kumari on the right wing. The duo combined again for India’s second goal, with Anita’s low cross finding Neha in the perfect position to smash it into the roof of the net.
Neha could have completed her hat trick with a spectacular individual effort, but her shot hit the far post. Kajol Dsouza made it 3-0 just before half-time, racing into the box and firing a first-time shot into the bottom corner after Apurna cut the ball back to her.
The Indonesian goalkeeper, Fani, made some excellent saves at the start of the second half, denying Anita and Kajol with impressive stops. Still, she was powerless to stop Apurna’s header in the 54th minute after Neha floated a corner toward the far post. Apurna pounced on a nervous clearance from the Indonesian defence to nod the ball into the net from point-blank range.
Apurna had then denied her second goal of the day by an offside decision, as Sumati Kumari was deemed to have been offside in the build-up. Sumati eventually got on the scoresheet, scoring two goals, one with a stunning volley and the second with a well-placed finish after being released by Kajol’s defence-splitting pass. The Indian team could have had a seventh goal, but a disallowed goal denied them the opportunity to match their opening-day scoreline.
After the game, Maymol Rocky expressed her delight with her team’s performance, praising their attitude and hard work. She noted that the victory was a testament to the team’s efforts to improve and their dedication to the sport.
Rocky added that the success of women’s football in India is one of the Federation’s top priorities and a key objective in Vision 2047. She highlighted that the team’s progress in the AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers is a positive step towards achieving this goal and an indication of the bright future ahead for Indian women’s football.
India will face Vietnam next in what could be a crucial match for both teams in their bid to qualify for Round 2 of the tournament. The Indian team’s impressive performances in their opening matches will give them confidence as they look to continue their winning streak and secure their spot in the next round.
Anshika, Purnima Kumari, Hemam Shilky Devi (Sahena TH 90′), Astam Oraon, Lisham Babina Devi (Tania Kanti 78′), Kajol Dsouza, Anita Kumari (Mousumi Murmu 78′), Neha (Sumati Kumari 64′), Shubhangi Singh, Nitu Linda (Shailja 90′), Apurna Narzary.
Indian Womens U-20 AFC squad during practice session. Image Credits: Indian Football Team
