India Advances to Women's Junior Asia Cup Final with 3-1 Victory Over Japan
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Muscat (Oman), Dec 14 (NationPress) India emerged victorious against Japan with a score of 3-1, securing their spot in the final of the Women’s Junior Asia Cup while looking to defend their title. Mumtaz Khan (4’), Sakshi Rana (5’), and Deepika (13’) each netted early goals that propelled India to victory. Japan’s Niko Maruyama (23’) found the net for her team, but it was not enough to turn the tide in their favor.
India took control right from the start of the first quarter, scoring three goals to establish a commanding lead.
The opening goal resulted from a mistake in the Japanese defense, which Mumtaz Khan capitalized on in the fourth minute. Shortly thereafter, Sakshi Rana unleashed a powerful shot from distance that successfully beat the goalkeeper.
As the first quarter neared its conclusion, Beauty Dungdung was fouled by the Japanese goalkeeper within the shooting circle, leading to a penalty stroke for India. Deepika, the tournament’s leading scorer, confidently converted the penalty, extending India’s lead significantly.
In the second quarter, Japan mounted a comeback, reducing the deficit with a goal from Niko Maruyama in the 23rd minute. Japan executed quick attacks effectively, managing to catch the Indian defense off-guard once.
The third quarter saw both teams battle fiercely, but neither could find the back of the net. Japan began to gain control of the game, yet India maintained their lead on the scoreboard and capitalized on it.
As the fourth quarter began, Japan adopted an aggressive approach while India focused on defending their goal. In the 48th minute, Japan earned a penalty corner that came close to scoring, but captain Jyoti Singh made a remarkable goal-line save, preserving India’s advantage. Japan was awarded two more penalty corners late in the game, but India’s defense held strong, ensuring a 3-1 victory.
India is set to face either China or Korea in the final, scheduled for 20:30 IST on Sunday.
