India smash Kyrgyz Republic 5-0 in Women’s Olympic Qualifier
India finally solved the riddle of their winless streak in 2023 when they outplayed and outclassed the Kyrgyz Republic 5-0 in the first of the two-legged tie in the Group G AFC Women’s Olympic Qualifying Round 1 on Tuesday, April 4, 2023.
After failing to win any of their five international engagements in the first three months of the calendar year, Thomas Dennerby’s wards broke the hoodoo in style at the Dolon Omurzakov Stadium as the hosts found their rampaging visitors too hot to handle.
The victory also strengthened India’s chances of moving on to the next round. They will hold a considerable advantage when the two teams meet again on Friday, April 7, 2023, in the second leg.
A double strike by Anju Tamang, a clinical volley from Soumya Guguloth in the first half and two more goals from Shikly Devi and Renu in the second half were enough for the girls to secure an emphatic win.
The Blue Tigresses started the game brightly and did not waste any time as they took control of the match through Anju’s opener in the 6th minute. The opposition goalkeeper Abibulla saved the freekick by Dalima Chhibber, but Anju made no mistake to head home the rebound from close range.
A few minutes later, Soumya had the opportunity to double the lead, but she was flagged for being offside before she could connect on a Sandhiya Ranganathan cross. At the half-hour mark, Soumya missed another golden chance from Anju’s cross at the far post and missed the target by a whisker.
Before the hosts could settle into the game, Anju scored again to hand India a two-goal advantage over their opponents. She netted an easy finish from Soumya’s cross from the right wing.
Four minutes later, Soumya lashed home a stunning volley into the top corner of the net as India found themselves with a comfortable 3-0 lead at the break.
The Blue Tigresses looked unstoppable as they struck two more goals in the second half. In the 61st minute, Shilky scored the fourth as she smashed the ball into the bottom corner from Indumathi’s well-planned pass inside the box.
Head Coach Thomas Dennerby made his first change as Sandhiya was replaced by Renu in the 62nd minute. Within a minute, substitute Renu fired in the fifth goal of the night off a Dalima free-kick. The rival custodian wasn’t able to take control of the ball and Renu took advantage of the situation as she found the back of the net.
The Swedish coach made a few more changes as Dangmei Grace came in place of Soumya, while Sangita Basfore and Karishma Shirvoikar were brought in place of Karthika Angamuthu and Anju, respectively.
The first attack from the opposition side came in the 83rd minute when they tried to breach the Indian defence, but skipper Ashalata Devi was at the right place to make a clearance.
With five minutes left for regulation time, Shilky Devi’s strike from 20 yards out was punched away by the keeper. The last change of the game was made in the 89th minute with Ritu Rani coming in place of Shilky Devi.
India (Starting XI): Shreya Hooda (GK), Sweety Devi, Manisa Panna, Ashalata Devi, Shilky Devi (Ritu Rani 89’), Soumya Guguloth (Dangmei Grace 66’), Anju Tamang ( Karishma Shirvoikar 80’), Indumathi, Sandhiya Ranganathan (Renu 62’), Dalima Chhibber, Karthika Angamuthu ( Sangita Basfore 80’).
Also Read: Elangbam Panthoi Chanu: The girl who rose like a Phoenix
Also Read: Want my mother to watch me play live, hopes Ashalata Devi
Sushil Kuamr 40+ Memorial Soccer Cup
Sushil Kumar 40+ Memorial Soccer Cup 2024 – Honoring a Legend Through the Spirit of Competition
This November 9, the Sushil Kumar 40+ Memorial Soccer Cup 2024 will take center stage, bringing together veteran players in memory of Sushil Kumar, a former football star whose legacy…
MFA Nadkarni Cup 2024: Round II Fixtures Revealed with Thrilling Matchups
The second round of the MFA Nadkarni Cup 2024 is set, bringing together some exciting contests that promise thrilling action on the pitch. While four matches from Round I are…
MFA Nadkarni Cup 2024: MH Oranje, Mumbai City FC, and Iron Born Make Strong Progress in Round II
The MFA Nadkarni Cup 2024 has kicked off with action-packed clashes and compelling narratives, setting the stage for a thrilling tournament. With early upsets and high-energy performances, teams like Mumbay…
Sushil Kuamr 40+ Memorial Soccer Cup
Sushil Kumar 40+ Memorial Soccer Cup 2024: A Tournament of Tribute, Talent, and Triumph
In a fitting tribute to former RCF football player Sushil Kumar, the Sushil Kumar 40+ Memorial Soccer Cup 2024 delivered an evening of intense action, camaraderie, and competitive spirit. Held…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
Mumbai City FC Strikes Back with Style: Late Goals Secure 3-1 Win Over Kenkre FC
Mumbai City FC with a crucial victory to secure their first win in the Mumbai Premier League this season, turning a tense clash against Kenkre FC into a memorable 3-1…
We did good recruitment, getting exactly the players we wanted to sign,’ Gerard Zaragoza on building Bengaluru FC’s title contender squad
Bengaluru FC have been on an absolute roll in Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25, topping the league table at the end of the second international break with 17 points from…
What Rúben Amorim Brings to Manchester United: A Look at His Coaching Journey
One that has been a constant headline maker in the English Premier League is the below-average performance of the premier club Manchester United. For the past few years, the Red…
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.