Aishwarya led United Poona SA to victory against Podar International

by Siddharth Yadav June 23, 2017

Mumbai, 23rd June 2017: In the inaugural match of WIFA (Western India Football Association) Women’s Championship, United Poona SA (Pune) ran out as 3-2 winners in a Group ‘A’ encounter against an energetic Podar International (Kolhapur) at Cooperage Stadium on Friday evening.

Aishwarya Balapure turned out to be the player of the match as she registered two goals and an assist to her name which helped United Poona SA to start their campaign on a winning note.

Right from the kick-off, the no. 12 of UPSA created numerous opening for her side from both, right and left wing, to keep pressurising Podar International’s backline.

Also Read: Five things to know about WIFA Women’s Championship

The deadlock was broken in the 9th minute itself when Aishwarya’s powerful right-footed drive found the back of the net. Very soon it could have been 2-0 for United Poona SA, but Devanshi Gala’s low shot was brilliantly saved by Podar’s Goalkeeper Yukta Rathod.

Podar International had no reply in front of UPSA’s attack. Podar’s Yashashree Deshmukh though proved out to be a key player.

Five minutes into the second-half, Yashashree Deshmukh got a golden opportunity to level the score when Podar International was awarded a free-kick from just outside the box.

Up stepped Yashashree who brilliantly launched a thunderous shot straight into the back of the net which levelled the score at 1-1.

A couple of minutes later, Aishwarya found Pooja Dhankude with a sublime pass, but the latter only managed to hit the post from close range.

In the 41st minute, Aishwarya once again stepped up for her team. A pinpoint cross from the left flank saw Dhanashree Landee comfortably putting past Podar International’s Yukta Rathod to restore the parity for United Poona SA.

It was turning out to be a field day for Aishwarya Balapure. Four minutes later after assisting the second goal, running down the left wing, Aishwarya scored a fantastic solo goal to increase UPSA’s lead by two goals.

With only a few minutes left, Podar International pushed hard to cut short the deficit and they successfully did so in the 77th minute when Jyoti Dhere headed in from close range.

Jyoti’s goal proved nothing but a consolation goal, but a positive second-half from Podar International is what they must take away from this match.

MDFA 2nd & 3rd Division to kick-off mid-july

Delhi Dynamos signs a pioneering deal with Aspire Academy

Trending
Trials

Maharashtra Oranje FC, a prominent name in Mumbai's football circuit, is set to hold extensive trials for the upcoming 2025-26 season through its academy division, SFL Oranje Academy.

Recommended / Trials

Maharashtra Oranje FC’s Academy Division, SFL Oranje Academy, announces Trials for 2025-26 season across multiple age groups

Mumbai, Maharashtra – Maharashtra Oranje FC, a prominent name in Mumbai’s football circuit, is set to hold extensive trials for the upcoming 2025-26 season through its academy division, SFL Oranje…