Kolkata, May 2: The Indian U-17 women’s team kicked off their AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup campaign with a 2–0 loss against Australia on Saturday evening at the Suzhou Taihu Football Sports Centre, Pitch 8. Australia earned an easy win over the Young Tigresses to move into second place in the Group B points table.
In the other Group B clash, Japan U-17 Women secured a dominant 13–0 win over Lebanon U-17 Women, which gave them a strong hold on the top spot in the points table. After the second match, India are in third place in the group standings.
Australia started the match by playing in India’s half and continued their dominance as they took the lead in the 25th minute. They produced a great combination play, while the lack of communication and defensive lapses from the Young Tigresses were evident in the goal they conceded.
Goalkeeper Munni took a long kick which was intercepted by the Australian side. Capitalising on the ball, Louise Corbett passed it forward to Mouithys, who sent the ball into the net from distance to give Australia U-17 a 1–0 lead.
Though the half was almost entirely played in India’s half, the Australian side did not seriously threaten the goalkeeper apart from the goal. Before the half-time whistle, they created another chance as Mouithys attempted a shot from the centre of the box, but this time Munni was alert and saved the ball from going into the net.
In the second half, India conceded the second goal due to their another miscommunication. In the 59th minute, Australia earned a throw-in from an attacking move. From there, Mouithys received the ball and passed it to Corbett, who made a run into the box from the left and delivered a cross towards the net. Abhista Basnett attempted to clear the ball, but it went into the net instead, giving the Australian side an own goal.
In the next minute, India managed to create an attacking threat. Redima attempted a long-range shot, but the goalkeeper was alert and kept the net untouched.
The Young Tigresses displayed a performance that lacked rhythm and coordination. Although it was their first match of the tournament, every game, goal, and point is crucial at this stage in the race to progress further. Australia dominated possession throughout the match, but apart from the two goals and a few attacking moves, they did not create many serious threats. Nevertheless, they secured an important three points along with a two-goal advantage to strengthen their position in the group.
AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup – Australia vs India highlights
Read more about Indian Football
