U-17 Women’s Football Tournament: India lose putting up a good show against Sweden
The opening match of the U17 Women’s Football Tournament 2019 saw India go down 0-3 to Sweden, who scored twice in the first half and once in the second half at the Mumbai Football Arena on Friday (December 13, 2019).
Prior to kick-off, Anna Lekvall (Honourable Conusel General, Embassy of Sweden), Dr. Vijay Patil (President, DY Patil University and Mumbai Cricket Association), Souter Vaz (Secretary, WIFA) and Abhishek Yadav (Director, National Teams, AIFF) shook hands with the players. Aaditya Thackeray (President, MDFA and Vice-President, WIFA) also graced the occasion with his presence.
As the match began, the away side took an early lead four minutes into the game, with Matilda Vinberg converting a spot-kick.
India came close to equalising only a few minutes later, creating two chances in consecutive minutes. Lynda Kom charged down the left and took a shot from the edge of the box that was saved by the Swedish custodian in the 11th minute.
Moments later, Sunita Munda beat her marker down the right flank and put in a cross towards Sumati Kumari. However, the Swedish defender came in with a last-minute challenge and the defence cleared the ball away.
The game became a midfield battle as both sides looked to pass their way past the opposition. India goalkeeper Manju Ganjhu showed great alertness on two occasions, rushing outside the penalty area to clear the ball away.
In the 21st minute, Lynda broke through once again and registered a powerful effort that drew a good save from the Sweden keeper. Manju made another save in the 24th minute but a minute later, Sweden doubled their advantage through Ida Weidenberg. The forward ran down the left flank with the ball and slotted it into the far corner.
The last chance of the first half fell to Sweden’s Monica Bah, who was played in on goal in the 32nd minute. However, she was denied by Manju, who tipped the ball over the crossbar with a fingertip save.
The second half began just as the first ended, with both teams battling it out. India coach Thomas Dennerby rang in the changes as Jyoti Kumari, Purnima Linda, Sai Sankhe, Anisha Baxla, Aveka Singh and Mariyammal came on off the bench over the course of the second half.
The Indian defence, marshalled by skipper Shilky Devi, repelled the Swedish attack as Sumati Kumari posed danger for the opposition on a number of occasions, breaking past the backline. In the 70th minute, she charged into the box down the left but her cut-back towards Sai was not finished. Five minutes later, she slipped through on goal yet again but her shot from inside the penalty area went narrowly wide.
As the match drew to a close, Sweden scored in stoppage time through Monica Bah to make it three as they picked up the three points.
India Starting XI: Manju Ganjhu (GK), Shilky Devi (C), Martina Thokchom, Kiran, Lynda Kom, Sumati Kumari, Astam Oraon, Sunita Munda, Priyangka Devi, Kritina Devi, Nirmala Devi
Sweden Starting XI: Elin Svahn (GK), Hanna Wijk (C), Saga Carlsson, Johanna Elin, Emilia Charlotte, Matilda Vinberg, Rusul Kafaji, Monica Bah, Emelie Jansson, Ida Weidenberg, Sara Eriksson
Click on the LINK for Fixtures, Points Table and Live Updates on WIFA Women’s Football League
For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football
Also Read: Mhasi Khonuo Paunuo: Samuel FA’s Wonder Woman from Nagaland
We would love to hear your Feedback on your Football Counter experience
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football.
I-League 2: Mumbai Derby turns into a Survival Race Between MH Oranje FC and Kenkre FC.
The final matchday of the I-League 2 is set for an intense showdown as MH Oranje FC takes on Kenkre FC in the Mumbai derby. The match, scheduled for 27th…
Mohun Bagan Super Giant produce magnificent triumph to storm into second straight ISL final after 2-0 win against Odisha FC
Kolkata, April 28: Mohun Bagan Super Giant emerged triumphant against the Odisha FC by 2-0 at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata tonight to win the second leg of their…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / MFA Super League
Redefining Mumbai Football: The unique approach of India On Track FC
In a football landscape where clubs often prioritize short-term success over long-term sustainability, India On Track FC (IOT FC) stands out as a beacon of dedication, unity, and unwavering commitment…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MYJ-GMSC Completes Unbeaten Season with Draw Against Millat FC
Kartik Strike in the first half seize’s MYJ-GMSC their unbeaten debut season in MFA Premier League In a high-octane Clash at the MFA Premier League, MYJ-GMSC faced off against Millat…
Mumbai City FC ease past FC Goa to set up blockbuster grand finale clash against ISL Champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Mumbai, April 29: Mumbai City FC set up a finals date with the Mohun Bagan Super Giant after defeating FC Goa by 2-0 in the second leg of their semi-final…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MH Oranje FC Seals Penultimate Game with Thrilling 2-1 Win Over Reliance FYC
Yogesh Kadam’s First-Half Brace Propels MH Oranje FC Toward a Strong Season Finish. MH Oranje FC clinched a significant 2-1 win over Reliance FYC in the penultimate game of the…
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.
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…