India off to a flying start in AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers
VIET TRI CITY, VIETNAM: The India U-20 Women’s National Team opened their AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers Round 1 campaign with a commanding 7-0 victory over Singapore at the Viet Tri Stadium in Viet Tri City, Vietnam on Tuesday, March 7, 2023.
Maymol Rocky’s girls started all guns blazing and raced to a six-goal lead within half an hour. Apurna Narzary and Anita Kumari scored a brace each, while Sumati Kumari and Astam Oraon nabbed one goal in the first half itself. Kajol Dsouza completed the rout with a seventh goal late in the second half.
New captain Apurna Narzary handed India the lead in the seventh minute when she finished off a squared pass from Anita Kumari into the open net. Anita picked up her second assist only three minutes later, sending in an inch-perfect cross from the right for Sumati to coolly head it in from the edge of the six-yard box.
It was three in the blink of an eye. After shots from Anita and Nitu Linda were blocked, the loose ball fell for Apurna, who took a touch before placing it in. Anita then got on the scoresheet herself, tapping in a low cross from Sumati from the left to make it four for India.
Sumati continued to wreak havoc down the left wing, breaking free from her marker once again before delivering another low cross. Astam Oraon, who had made the run forward from left-back, guided it in.
India were in no mood to lift their foot off the gas and scored the sixth in the 31st minute. Apurna made a blistering run into the box and unselfishly cut the ball back for Anita. The winger dispatched a grounded effort through a forest of red shirts for her second goal of the day.
Head coach Maymol Rocky rolled in a couple of attacking changes at the break, with Lynda Kom Serto coming on in place of Nitu Linda and Neha replacing Sumati Kumari.
Singapore were better organised defensively after the restart, not allowing India much space through the middle. The Young Tigresses, though, continued to dominate possession and utilise the wings. Neha flashed a cross across the face of the goal, but Anita was just inches short of getting on the end of it.
Neha was on set-piece duty as well. Her left-footed corner fell perfectly for Babina at the far post, but she couldn’t find the right connection with the ball. India also had a few close shaves from long range as shots from Kajol Dsouza and Astam went wide.
Substitutes Neha and Lynda showed great dribbling skills but were denied by some solid Singaporean defending. Neha beat two defenders on the left before her shot was blocked by a red shirt. Lynda did the same on the right but her right-footed effort was saved by goalkeeper Nur Izairida Shakira.
The Singapore custodian was called into action again ten minutes from time, saving a powerful effort from Mousumi Murmu, who was making her international debut for India.
India finally hit seven in the final minute of regulation time. Neha whipped in a solid cross from the left to pick out midfielder Kajol, who scored with a thumping header to round up a massive win for the Young Tigresses.
India next take on Indonesia on Thursday, March 9, before squaring off against hosts Vietnam on Saturday. The group winner will make it to Round 2 of the qualifiers to be held in June.
India U-20 Women XI: Anshika, Purnima Kumari, Linda Chanu (Hemam Shilky Devi 80′), Astam Oraon, Martina Thokchom (Lisham Babina Devi 23′), Kajol Dsouza, Sumati Kumari (Neha 46′), Anita Kumari, Shubhangi Singh, Nitu Linda (Lynda Kom Serto 46′), Apurna Narzary (Mousumi Murmu 70′).
Also Read: Hero Super Cup draw held at Football House, tournament kicks off on April 3 in Kerala
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…
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
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…