India go down to Korea Republic in AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers opener
BURIRAM, THAILAND: It wasn’t the best of times for the India Women’s U17 National Team at the charming Buriram City Stadium on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, as they went down to former champions Korea Republic 0-8 in their opening fixture of the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers Round 2.
But then, it wasn’t the worst of times, either, despite the yawning scoreline. True, Priya PV’s girls found the going tough against the Mighty Koreans, one of the finest teams in the competition. But the few Indian fans present at the stadium could take solace from the fact that the Young Tigresses didn’t go down without a fight – they remained worthy of their names against a bunch of opponents, who displayed lively skills and an uncanny ability to switch flanks without a blink of their eyes.
Korea Republic led 2-0 at the break. While a hat-trick by skipper Won Jueun, who scored two of her goals from spot kicks, was the highlight of the day, Seo Minjeong (2) Park Juha and substitute Han Gukhee were the other scorers. An own goal by Shivani Toppo further widened the margin. Had India not exhibited the vulnerability in their defence in the second session, the story could have been little better.
India Head Coach Priya PV had her plan firmly in place; she stressed more on her defensive strategies for obvious reasons. After defending stoutly for 13 minutes, a momentary lapse in defence cost India dear as they conceded the first goal. Centre back Thoibisana Chanu, who till then showed all the resoluteness to keep the attackers at bay, swung her leg in an attempted clearance that turned out to be a miskick. It was then easy for Park Juha to step onto the edge of the box to find the net with a low shot. Indian goalkeeper Khushi Kumari had no answer to it.
India displayed urgency after being left in the arears and had an opportunity to hit back in the 17th minute when captain and midfielder Menaka Devi played quickly with Sibani Devi on the right, but the resultant aerial ball was too much for Shilji Shaji to go for a proper header.
The gap between the two teams widened in the 28th minute when Sonibia Devi Irom was pulled up for a foul on Won Jueun inside the dreaded area. Jueun herself decided to take the shot that beat Khushi Kumari hands down.
The third goal, which came a couple of minutes after the change of ends, was Won Jueun’s second goal of the day. She made most of a through pass from Beom Yeju to make it 3-0. She completed her hat-trick in the 65th minute, almost immediately after India replaced Khusi Kumari with Khambi Chanu Sarangthem under the bar. Eleven minutes later, substitute Han Gukhee slammed in the fifth to give the scoreline a look of rout.
Not that the Indians never threatened the Korean goal. Their best chance came two minutes before the half time when striker Sulanjana Raul stole the ball on the left, dashed into the box and finding the Korean custodian out of position, took a prompt shot. Woon Sumin saved her citadel at the last moment as she managed to tip the ball over.
India: Khushi Kumari (Khambi Chanu Sarangthem 62’), Vikshit Bara, Thoibisana Chanu Toijam, Sonibia Devi Irom, Shivani Toppo, Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam, Lalita Boypai, Menaka Devi Lourembam, Shilji Shaji, Sulanjana Raul (Heena Khatun 87’) and Pooja (Khushbu Saroj 87’).
Also Read: China outwit Indian challenge in Hangzhou
Also Read: Mumbai City FC extends association with Fast&Up as Club’s Official Nutrition Partner
MFA’s Nadkarni Cup 2024 kicks off on November 4 with 21 teams competing
The Nadkarni Cup, one of Mumbai’s most cherished football tournaments, is back for its 2024 edition, starting November 4 at the Neville D’Souza Ground in Bandra. Organized annually by the…
MH Oranje FC Reclaims Form with a Gritty Win Over ICL Mumbai in the MPL
After a rocky start to their Mumbai Premier League campaign, MH Oranje FC finally returned to form, clinching their first three points with a gritty win over ICL Mumbai. This…
Mumbai City FC Outlasts Kerala Blasters in Six-Goal Thriller at the Arena
In an electrifying encounter at the Mumbai Football Arena, Mumbai City FC clinched a thrilling 4-2 victory over Kerala Blasters. The high-stakes duel saw Nikolaos Karelis net a brace, while…
India Khelo Football Workshop returns to Mumbai for its 4th Season
The Indian Khelo Football (IKF) Workshop returns to Mumbai this September, bringing with it an exceptional platform for aspiring footballers to showcase their skills and seize opportunities that could transform…
MFA / Mumbai Super League / Trials
Somaiya FC announces trials for the upcoming 2024-25 Season
Somaiya FC, having secured a commendable 5th position in the MFA Super Division last season, has announced open trials as they gear up for upcoming season. The team, known for…
VR Academy to conduct trials for 2024-25 Season
Mumbai based VR Academy has announced trials for the upcoming 2024-25 season. The club is looking for talented young players to join our esteemed academy and participate in various competitive…
MH ORANJE FC U-17 Trials for the Upcoming Season
With a proud legacy of nurturing talent and achieving excellence, Maharashtra Oranje FC has recently made waves with appearances in I-League 2, securing a remarkable runner-up position in the fiercely…
Football School of India announce trials for Young Talents
Football School of India (FSI) has announced trials for young football enthusiasts in the upcoming week of June. A golden opportunity for aspiring players to showcase their talents and potentially…
Mumbai Super League club Charkop FC to conduct open trials for upcoming Season
Calling all aspiring football stars! Charkop FC, a MFA super division club based in Charkop, Kandivali, is set to conduct Open Trials for the upcoming season. About Charkop FC: In…
Academy / Football Academy / Trials
Mumbai 42 Football Academy to conduct trials for Youth players
Newly established Mumbai 42 Football Academy will be conducting trials for young footballers in the upcoming week.
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.