YANGON, MYANMAR: The Indian women’s football team experienced a 1-2 loss to Myanmar in their first friendly match at the Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon on Tuesday, July 9, 2024.
This match marked the first encounter between the two teams in over five years. Myanmar capitalized on set pieces to secure their victory. Odisha FC’s Win Theingi Tun opened the scoring with a header in the 14th minute. India’s Pyari Xaxa, also from Odisha FC, equalized with a tap-in in the 58th minute. However, Myanmar’s San Thaw Thaw clinched the win by converting May Thet Mon Myint’s free-kick in the 74th minute. Notably, Aruna Bag made her debut start for India at right-back.
Myanmar dominated the early proceedings, with Hemam Shilky Devi making a crucial clearance in the 6th minute. Phyu Phyu Win’s long-range attempt was comfortably saved by the Indian women’s football team goalkeeper Elangbam Panthoi Chanu. However, a missed corner clearance by Panthoi allowed Win Theingi Tun to head the ball into the net, giving Myanmar the lead.
The Indian women’s football team responded quickly, nearly scoring from their first corner in the 18th minute when Soumya Guguloth’s header went wide. Soumya then attempted a low cross to Anju Tamang, but Myanmar’s goalkeeper Myo Mya Mya Nyein intercepted it. Pyari Xaxa tried her luck from distance twice, with one shot going wide and the other saved by the Myanmar goalkeeper. Panthoi continued to be tested by Myanmar, making a crucial one-on-one save against San Thaw Thaw just before halftime.
In the second half, the Indian women’s football team showed renewed vigor. Head coach Langam Chaoba Devi substituted Karishma Shirvoikar for Sandhiya Ranganathan. Karishma’s pace on the left wing led to the equalizer when she forced a spill from Myo Mya Mya Nyein, allowing Pyari Xaxa to score.
Despite India’s increased offensive efforts, Myanmar’s defense tightened, catching the the Indian women’s football team attackers offside multiple times. Myanmar secured their winning goal from a low free-kick by May Thet Mon Myint, which San Thaw Thaw expertly finished over the advancing Panthoi.
Panthoi’s save against Win Theingi Tun in the 77th minute kept India in the match, but the team could not break through Myanmar’s defense again. India will aim to rectify their errors in the second friendly scheduled for Friday, July 12.
Indian Women’s Football team XI:
Elangbam Panthoi Chanu (GK), Hemam Shilky Devi, Loitongbam Ashalata Devi (C), Sangita Basfore, Soumya Guguloth, Sanju, Anju Tamang, Pyari Xaxa, Naorem Priyangka Devi (Karthika Angamuthu 82′), Sandhiya Ranganathan (Karishma Shirvoikar 46′), Aruna Bag.
