China Triumphs Over India 2-1 to Secure Top Spot in Women's Jr Asia Cup Pool A
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Muscat, Dec 11 (NationPress) China clinched a 2-1 victory over India in a closely fought match during the third Pool A game at the Women’s Junior Asia Cup on Wednesday, allowing them to finish at the top of Pool A. This triumph secured three vital points for China and guaranteed their place in the semifinals as the Pool A leaders.
In this decisive match, Jinzhuang Tan (32’) and Lihang Wang (42’) scored for China, while Deepika (56’) netted her seventh goal for India, maintaining her position as the tournament's leading scorer.
The opening quarter saw both teams aggressively pursuing an early goal. India created numerous opportunities but struggled to convert in the shooting circle.
India was awarded an early penalty corner, but their attempt was thwarted by China’s resilient defense. Towards the end of the first quarter, China earned a penalty corner as well. Jinzhuang Tan unleashed a powerful shot on goal, but it was met with a critical save by Nidhi, India’s goalkeeper, keeping the match scoreless.
During the second quarter, India had two consecutive penalty corners but failed to capitalize, resulting in a scoreless first half as both teams returned to their benches.
In the initial moments of the third quarter, Xueling Zeng of China initiated a dangerous counterattack, skillfully maneuvering past the Indian defense from the left wing. She was ultimately fouled by Nidhi in the shooting circle, earning a penalty stroke for her team. Captain Jinzhuang Tan stepped up and converted the stroke, delivering the first goal with a powerful shot past Nidhi.
Following this, China capitalized on their momentum, creating numerous scoring opportunities. In the 42nd minute, they extended their lead with a penalty corner, as their top scorer, Lihang Wang, executed a drag flick that found the back of the net.
With a two-goal advantage heading into the final quarter, China maintained control over the match, dictating the pace and dominating possession. India made a last-ditch effort in the closing minutes to score. They regained possession in a critical area, and Kanika Siwach delivered a perfect pass to Deepika, who found the net from close range, narrowing the gap. However, India was unable to find an equalizer, ultimately falling short with a final score of 2-1.
