New Delhi, April 11: The Indian U17 women’s team lost 0-4 to Russia in the first of three friendly matches at the Matsesta Football Center in Sochi, Russia, on Saturday.
Valeria Menyailova put the hosts ahead in the 44th minute. Dana Dobrovitskaya and Alisa Klimova converted penalties in the 57th and 72nd minutes respectively, before Angelina Gulyayeva rounded off the scoring in the 88th.
The Young Tigresses, coached by Italian Pamela Conti, are using these matches to prepare for next month’s all-important AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup in China.
India started brightly, looking more eager on the ball, while the hosts remained cautious.
Redima Devi Chingkhamayum almost opened the scoring midway through the first half when she struck from 20 yards, but it was prevented from going into the bottom corner by a brilliant save from goalkeeper Daria Volodicheva.
Russia opened their tally in the 44th minute when Polina Frolova dispossessed Elizabed Lakra on the left flank and pushed forward to Valeria Menyailova, who beat goalkeeper Munni with a crisp finish low at the near post.
As the Indians worked hard and did a lot of running to check the Russian moves and build up their own, Redima, skipper Bonfilia Shullai and Alva Devi Senjam excelled and pieced together a number of moves down the left corridor.
But their final shots or crosses lacked the sting to cause any problems. The Indians kept up the fight early in the second half, but conceded a penalty soon. India and Russia will play two more friendlies on April 14 and 17. (PTI)
