Xaxa’s brace gives India a 2-0 win over Malaysians

After a goalless first half, Substitute Pyari Xaxa came up with two late goals as dominant India brush aside Malaysian Challenge in an International women’s football friendly at the MP Selayang Stadium in Kuala Lumpur.

Coach Maymol Rocky, in her very first game in charge, chose to go in with an attacking attitude. India started to dominant right from the word go, with the first big chance coming in the very fourth minute. However Grace’s attempt went straight to Malaysian keeper Nurul Azurin. In the 24^th minute, Kamal Devi’s goal bound header was thwarted by Nurul, diving full length to keep the score 0-0. The host keeper was instrumental in keeping the game goalless for the first half pulling off some brave saves.

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Second half began in a slight reverse fashion, as Malaysian looked to take the game to visitors, keeping possession, playing in gaps. They were almost rewarded for their patience in the 70^th minute when Malini hit the post, but soon India responded and took control over the game. In the 79^th minute, a poor long pass from Nurul gave India back possession for a quick attack as a headed through ball found Pyari get past her marker and score past the Keeper to make it 1-0.

India soon began to get stronger, in the 83^rd minute; Captain Bala Devi almost made it 2-0, when she rose highest among all to connect to Dalima’s cross but the ball rebounded off the post to deny India a goal. Two minutes later, an onrushing Pyari made no mistake in a similar situation as she headed home the second for the day. The game ended with India comfortably winning the game 2-0.

International women’s Friendly                           

India Women 2 (Pyari Xaxa 79’, 85’) – 0 Malaysia women

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On the surface, the Indian Women’s Team’s back to back International Friendlies may seem to be just another regular International fixture. But there’s a fair bit of history which stays attached as this will be the first time ever that the Indian Women’s Team will be coached by a Woman in any International match.

Head Coach Maymol Rocky, the coach in the hot seat describes it as her “biggest achievement.”

“I can’t just express it in words. It’s my greatest achievement. It is an honour and a privilege to be the Head Coach of the Senior Women’s National side,” says Rocky ecstatically. “I know there is pressure on me to perform but ever since I took up coaching, it has always been a dream. The real job starts now,” cautions the former player.

The role is tough and steep but Maymol is up for it. “The AFC Women’s Tutors Course was really helpful. It has really helped me grow as a coach,” she states about the programme held earlier this year. “I got to meet and exchange ideas with coaches from other AFC nations. I want to thank the AIFF for believing in me and finding me suitable for the role,” she adds in a thankful tone.

The players too are excited about the lady in charge. Forward Pyari Xaxa says: “It is really exciting to be able to play under her. She has been an inspiration during my age-group days and now even more, especially to all girls wanting to take up football.”

Jabamani Tudu is happy with the familiarity of things. “I’ve played under Maymol Rocky ma’am earlier at the U-16 level. This will be helpful as I know what she expects of me.”

Manipur has been like a factory line supplying players to the Women’s teams and Kashmina is one such product. “Maymol Rocky ma’am was with us at the junior level and has helped my game a lot. She is strict but is the perfect guide,” Kashmina opines.

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