Happy news for the country, as our Indian Women’s Football team qualified for the second round in the Olympic Qualifiers for the first time, despite losing to Malaysia who was topping the charts in Group C category.
Despite going down to Malaysia by 1-2 in a hard-fought match, the Indian team finished second in Group C with four points from three matches, just behind the table toppers Myanmar.
The second round of the Qualifiers is scheduled for next year in April.
Coach Maymol Rocky says this is the moment all have been waiting for#ShePower #BackTheBlue pic.twitter.com/HFCNdcl4rR
— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) November 13, 2018
The Indian team in its bout against Myanmar went on the field with the same line-up as against Bangladesh, which they won by 7-1. The first half of the match looked interesting as both teams played neck to neck. But the third minute proved to be havoc for the Indian side as Myanmar was able to drag ball into the Indian nets, thus taking a lead by 0-1.
But, Indian team did not lag behind for much time as Bala Devi found a space to shoot in the range. Unfortunately, she lost her grip at the last moment. Bala Devi had scored four goals in her previous game.
-- Advertisement --Indian Women’s Team clears the first round of Olympic Qualifiers for the first time ever.#ShePower #IndianFootball #WeAreIndia #AsianDream #BackTheBlue pic.twitter.com/6W8lxOgbgB
— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) November 13, 2018
The Indian women team kept pushing forward for the equalizer and gave Myanmar a tough clash. With Sanju and Kamala Devi’s efforts, India again had a chance to goal but Myanmar keeper was already on a high-alert and saved the goal.
Myanmar created two chances after this and in the 19th minute again, they again hit the Indian cross-side that rebounded back into the play.
Indians were thoroughly fighting in this game and didn’t lose hope in their pursuit to a goal. Ultimately, India was rewarded when Myanmar’s Grace Dangmei broke free down the right. As she was fouled, India got a free-kick. This paved way for India’s Ratnabala Devi making a shot into the net’s top corner and scoring a goal. To note, Bala was among the top-notch players in this game, who looked dangerous every time she had the ball in her grip.
After this in the second half of the game, Indian side continuously kept making chances for a goal, while Myanmar kept building the pressure of the Indian defence side.
Sangita Basfore and Sanju feel they can perform better in the next round of @Olympics qualifiers.#ShePower #BackTheBlue pic.twitter.com/8fQBN26PXa
— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) November 13, 2018
Aditi Chauhan again offered her energetic vibes in the game, when in the 50th minute, she produced a save of the match diving sharply to steer away from the header that could have made a goal against India.
Aditi pulled off a number of great saves in the entire match. The most notable ones were in the 50th and 73rd minute of the game when she shooed away a low edge shot, made by the Myanmar side.
But this resistance couldn’t survive long as Nge Nge Htwe shot low into the corner of the net and hence a goal for Myanmar. Indian team kept fighting for the equalizer till the final moment but was in vain.
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