New Delhi, April 17 (NationPress) The India U17 women’s football team, in preparation for the upcoming AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup in China, wrapped up their stay in Russia with a 0-3 loss in the third and final friendly match held at the Matsesta Football Centre in Sochi on Friday.

After a scoreless first half, the Russian team took the lead just after halftime as Valeria Menyailova scored in the 46th minute. Polina Frolova then extended their lead in the 80th minute, and substitute Anna Bykhanova capped the match with a third goal in stoppage time (90+2'). India faced a setback when Julan Nongmaithem received a second yellow card and was sent off in the 82nd minute.

The Young Tigresses, guided by Italian coach Pamela Conti, viewed this three-match series as essential preparation for the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2026, scheduled for next month. Previously, they lost 0-4 in the first match and 0-3 in the second, marking a tough but beneficial learning period against a physically superior and more experienced Russian squad.

Early in the match, a moment of hesitation from goalkeeper Munni allowed Mira Kuznetsova an open shot on goal, but she missed her lob attempt, saving India from an early disadvantage.

Despite this early scare, India's defense demonstrated significant improvement. They appeared more structured and disciplined, effectively closing down spaces and limiting the Russian forwards' movement. The Indian team also managed to contain the hosts on the flanks, forcing Russia to rely on long-range attempts rather than creating clear scoring opportunities.

India's attacking play showed signs of progress as well. Their pressing was more synchronized, and they attempted to establish promising plays from midfield. Nonetheless, the final third continued to be problematic, with attackers struggling to position themselves correctly or take advantage of chances, leading to several missed attempts.

Both teams went into halftime with no goals on the board, but Russia emerged with a fresh determination after the break.

In the very first minute of the second half, Dana Dobrovitskaya capitalized on a loose ball in midfield and delivered a precise pass through India's defense. Menyailova timed her run impeccably, slotting the ball past Munni to put the hosts ahead.

Russia nearly increased their lead in the 50th minute when Dobrovitskaya maneuvered through defenders and took a shot, but Munni secured the ball.

India responded with their best moment of the match during the 63rd minute when a long throw-in by Divyani Linda led to a partially cleared ball that Julan Nongmaithem struck powerfully, only to be parried by the Russian keeper. Julan came close again in the 70th minute with a cross from substitute Anushka Kumari, yet her attempt was thwarted once more.

These opportunities gave the Indian side a boost in confidence, but Russia regained their grip on the match at a pivotal moment. In the 80th minute, Menyailova combined skillfully with substitute Daria Sorokina, delivering a low cross into the box that Polina Frolova converted with a composed right-footed finish, making the score 2-0.

India's frustrations peaked late in the match when Julan Nongmaithem received a second yellow card for kicking the ball away after a foul, leaving the team with just 10 players and struggling to contain Russia in the final moments.

In stoppage time, the hosts secured a third goal as Alisa Klimova sent a high cross from the left that Munni misjudged. Substitute Anna Bykhanova was in the right spot to tap the ball into an empty net, sealing a comprehensive victory for Russia.

Looking ahead, India is set to face Australia on May 2, Japan on May 5, and Lebanon in Group B of the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup 2026 in Suzhou, China.