The Indian senior women’s team concluded their two-match friendly series against Myanmar with a 1-1 draw at the Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon on Friday, July 12, 2024. This result came after an improved performance from their earlier 1-2 defeat against the same opponents on Tuesday.
In a match characterized by heavy rain and a waterlogged pitch, the Blue Tigresses dominated the first half but struggled to break through a resilient Myanmar defense. The deadlock was broken early in the second half by Pyari Xaxa, who scored her second goal in as many games in the 48th minute. However, Myanmar’s all-time top scorer, Win Theingi Tun, quickly equalized just two minutes later. Despite creating several opportunities, neither team managed to score again, resulting in a draw.
Indian Senior Women’s head coach, Langam Chaoba Devi, made only one change to the lineup from the previous match, bringing in Karishma Shirvoikar to replace Sandhiya Ranganathan. The game also saw 19-year-old Mousumi Murmu making her senior India debut in the second half.
The Indian Senior Women team started aggressively, with waves of attacks on the Myanmar goal. Within the first ten minutes, Soumya Guguloth’s clever ball over the top was intercepted by Myanmar goalkeeper Myo Mya Mya Nyein before Anju Tamang could make contact. Shortly after, Anju’s corner kick found Sangita Basfore, but the midfielder struggled to control the ball in the waterlogged six-yard box. Pyari Xaxa had a clear chance in the seventh minute but failed to capitalize as the goalkeeper closed her down. Soumya also missed a free-kick opportunity from 20 yards out a few minutes later.
Indian Senior Women’s offensive approach was evident, and most of the first half was played in Myanmar’s territory. The Myanmar goalkeeper was kept busy throughout the half, especially as the rain eased, allowing for more fluid play. Karishma Shirvoikar and Pyari both missed decent chances around the half-hour mark, and India’s goalkeeper, Elangbam Panthoi Chanu, was finally tested in the 34th minute, saving a long-range effort from Khin Mar Lar Tun.
Pyari Xaxa redeemed her earlier miss by giving Indian Senior Women team the lead in the 48th minute, capitalizing on a long clearance from Panthoi and scoring past the Myanmar goalkeeper. However, Myanmar responded almost immediately, with Win Theingi Tun scoring from a cross by Yoon Wady Hlaing.
Both teams continued to press for a winning goal. Naorem Priyangka Devi’s deflected half-volley went just over the crossbar in the 54th minute, and India had an appeal for a handball in the box turned down. Myanmar also had a chance to score in the 61st minute, but Indian captain Loitongbam Ashalata Devi made a crucial goal-line clearance.
The final ten minutes were filled with intense action, with both goalkeepers making important saves. Soumya missed another free-kick opportunity in the 82nd minute, and Panthoi was called into action again in injury time, denying Win Theingi Tun and punching out a free-kick from Myat Noe Khin.
Indian Senior Women had the last opportunity to win the match in the 94th minute, but Sangita’s shot went over the bar after a scramble in the box following Ashalata’s free-kick. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, reflecting a resilient performance by the Indian team.
Indian Senior Women XI:
Elangbam Panthoi Chanu (GK), Hemam Shilky Devi, Loitongbam Ashalata Devi (C), Sangita Basfore, Soumya Guguloth, Sanju, Anju Tamang, Pyari Xaxa, Naorem Priyangka Devi, Karishma Shirvoikar (Mousumi Murmu 72′), Aruna Bag (Jyoti 72′)
