Shillong, Oct 30: Meghalaya goalkeeper Ribansi Jamu got a chance to represent India in goal as she was utilised as a second half substitute in the first friendly that the U-20 women’s national team played against Kazakhstan recently.
The Indian team travelled to Kazakhstan to face their U-19 counterparts (note the difference in age categories) in two friendlies on 25th and 28th October.
India won the first match 3-2 and drew the second 1-1. Ribansi came on at half time in the first match, conceding one goal late in the game via a penalty kick.
The Young Tigresses embarked on the two matches as part of their preparations for the AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup 2026, which India qualified for in August.
Ribansi was part of the Indian squad back then but didn’t get a game, instead supporting the team from the bench. She has been regularly selected for the U-20 squad by coach Joakim Alexandersson but goalkeeping duties are almost always entrusted to Monalisha Devi Moirangthem, the favoured keeper who has even represented the senior women’s team.
(All India Football Federation file photo)