Shillong, Oct 12: The Indian senior women’s football team lost their two friendlies with Russia in recent days, both by heavy margins.
The Tigresses lost 4-0 on 8th October before being overwhelmed 8-0 yesterday. Both matches were held in Kolkata.
Meghalaya’s Sanfida Nongrum (pictured No. 8) was selected in the starting line-up of both games by India coach Crispin Chettri, playing the whole of the first fixture and 85 minutes of the second.
Chettri used the occasion of the first match to test his emerging players, handing international debuts to Babysana Devi Thingbaijam, Malati Munda, Cindy Colney, Shubhangi Singh, Dhurga Perumal and Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam. Goalkeeper Monalisha Devi Moirangthem made her first start and earned her third cap overall.
The 69th-ranked Blue Tigresses faced a considerable challenge against 27th-ranked Russia in what was India’s first-ever women’s international match in Kolkata. Yet, for much of the opening half, the hosts defended with discipline and created opportunities that could have changed the course of the contest.
Iana Sheina’s moment of brilliance gave the visitors the lead in the 40th minute, and substitute Kira Petukhova struck twice in the 60th and 65th minutes. Iana Svistunova completed the scoring in the 81st minute as Russia’s sustained pressure wore down the Blue Tigresses after the break.
Yesterday, however, India were completely outplayed, with five goals scored in the first half.
Darina Ishmukhametova (21′, 42’P), Marine Achoian (25′, 45’+1) and Natalia Mashina (50′, 51′) scored twice each, while Daiana Kishmakhova (29′) and Elizaveta Semenova (74′) also found the net as Russia completed two convincing victories in Kolkata.
Crispin Chettri made five changes to India’s starting eleven, bringing in Shubhangi Singh, Mousumi Murmu, Renu, Dhurga Perumal and Priyadharshini Selladurai. Ranjana Chanu Sorokhaibam took over the captaincy.
(All India Football Federation photo)
