The Indian U-17 women’s team had to face disappointment in the opening match of the U17 Women’s Football Tournament 2019 as they were humbeled by Sweden 3-0 at the Mumbai Football Arena. The tournament is touted to be the preparatory tournament for the Indian women’s team ahead of their participation in the FIFA U-17 women’s world cup which will be held in India.
In the campaign opener the visitors took an early lead as they scored just foru minutes into the game. Sweden’s Matilda Vinberg put her team ahead as she converted a spot-kick.
The Indian eves were also up to the task and almost found the equaliser moments later by creating dual chances in consecutive minutes. First it was Lynda Kom who came close to scoring as she took a shot from the edge of the box after charging down but an alert Swedish custodian saved the shot to keep her team in the lead.
India had a suoerb chance to equalise just a few minutes later as Sunita Munda put in a cross towards Sumati Kumari from the right flank. Hiwever, the visitors defence cleared the danger away with a last-minute challenge.
The game was played mostly in the midfield as both teams looked to pass their way past the opposition. Indian goalie Manju Ganjhu was also tested twice and she delivered her duties well as she cleared the danger away by rushing outside the penalty area.
Lynda was also testing the goalkeeper on the other half of the field as in the 21st minute her p[owerful effort which almost put the score at level was saved by the Sweden custodian.
Manju was seen in action again in the 24th minute as she made another save but she could not keep the Swedish forwards at bay for quite long as just a minute later the visitors doubled their advantage through Ida Weidenberg.
Sweden looked to extend their lead once again but this time Manju tipped the ball over the crossbar with a fingertip save. Both the teams went into the first half with scoreline reading 2-0 in the visitors favour.
The second half saw India coach Thomas Dennerby making a flurry of changes as Jyoti Kumari, Purnima Linda, Sai Sankhe, Anisha Baxla, Aveka Singh and Mariyammal came on off the bench over the course of the second half.
In the 70th minute, Sumathi charged into the box down the left but her cut-back towards Sai was not finished. India’s late surge was foiled by the Swedeish defense on numerous occasions and as the match drew to a close, Sweden scored in stoppage time through Monica Bah to make it three as they picked up the three points.
