Maldives hold India to goalless draw; Nepal beat B’desh in opener
SHILLONG: Hosts India were held to a goalless draw by an inspired Maldives side in their 12th South Asian Games women’s football match at the JN Sports Complex here on Friday.
The Indian eves, who are also the defending champions, started off well but failed to capitalise on the numerous chances early on.
India began to dominate proceedings from the word go with the likes of skipper Bembem Devi, Dangmei Grace, Sanju and Kamala Devi hardly allowing their opponents any room.
But a dogged Maldives held on to their nerves besides doing some excellent work at the back to hand over a draw to the clear favourites.
Sajid Yusuf Dhar’s side gained the upper hand with crisp passing and numerous shots taken at goal but the strike at the nets eluded them.
Earlier, Dangmei Grace’s header in the 12th minute nearly found the goal but the attempt went wide of the target.
In the 36th minute, Prameshwori Devi was denied after the Maldivian defence cleared the danger with the sides going into the break goalless.
Upon resumption, Dangmei Grace sent a scorcher but her shot flew merely inches shy of the goal.
For Maldives, the real star, however, was goalkeeper Aishath Abdul Razzaq who produced numerous saves to keep the hosts at bay.
Maldives captain Fadhuwa Zahir held the midfield together in the latter half as India found it difficult to find a clear cut chance. The last significant highlight of the battle was Dangmei’s header that went just over the crossbar before the referee blew the final whistle.
At the post match conference, coach Sajid Yusuf Dhar said that his side’s inability to convert of the various chances cost them the match.
“I would like to congratulate Maldives for playing a tough match and gaining a point. Maldives now is not the same team from four years back. They are a much better side which was reflected in today’s match,” Dar added.
Nepal beat Bangladesh in opener
Meanwhile, Nepal started their women’s football campaign with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Bangladesh on the opening day of the 12th South Asian Games at the JN Sports Complex here. Nepal were impressive with their attack and were rewarded as early as in the 3rdminute with Dipa Adhikari finding the back of the nets. Nepal added two more goals in the first half through Anu Lama and Niru Thapa.
On February 7, Maldives face Nepal at 11 AM while Bangladesh and Sri Lanka meet at 4 PM.