New Delhi, April 14 (NationPress) The U17 women's football team of India faced a setback, losing 0-3 to their Russian counterparts during the second of three friendly matches held at the Matsesta Football Center in Sochi, Russia, on Tuesday.

Valeria Menyailova netted two goals shortly after halftime (49', 52'), following an initial strike from Sofia Svyatnaya (18'), as the home team capitalized on critical mistakes to ensure their victory. While the entire Russian squad was born in 2009, India's starting eleven comprised four players born in 2009, four in 2011, and three in 2010.

The Young Tigresses, under the guidance of Italian coach Pamela Conti, are utilizing these matches as preparation for the upcoming AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup China 2026 scheduled for next month. India had previously lost to Russia with a score of 0-4 in their first encounter just three days earlier.

Russia started strong, nearly scoring within the first two minutes. Menyailova was played through inside the box and displayed impressive footwork to maneuver around Divyani Linda, but her close-range shot was thwarted by a fantastic save from goalkeeper Munni.

The winger continued to threaten, coming close again in the 10th minute, only for Munni to react quickly, executing an excellent diving save to maintain parity.

India took time to find their rhythm, with their first shot on target arriving in the 13th minute when Valaina Fernandes attempted a long-range effort, which was easily collected by goalkeeper Emelianova Anastasiya.

Just a minute later, Valaina set up Olivia Chanu Ningthoujam, who also tested the Russian keeper. This match marked Olivia's debut on the youth international stage for India.

Despite India’s increasing involvement, Russia broke the deadlock in the 18th minute due to a critical error. Sofia Svyatnaya delivered a free-kick from the left that should have been an easy claim for Munni, but the goalkeeper misjudged its trajectory, allowing the ball to slip through and cross the line.

This setback motivated the Young Tigresses, who began pushing higher on the pitch and creating chances. Their best opportunity of the first half came in the 32nd minute when Valaina bypassed her defender and aimed a curling effort towards the far corner. Emelianova, however, reacted promptly, diving to parry the ball away, keeping Russia’s lead intact at halftime.

India’s hopes for a comeback were dashed early in the second half due to a defensive error. In the 49th minute, a series of poor backpasses proved fatal. Under pressure, Ritu Badaik initiated the move, and captain Elizabeth Lakra’s clearance inadvertently worsened the situation. Menyailova seized the opportunity, intercepted the ball, rounded Munni, and calmly finished to double Russia's lead.

Shortly after, the hosts expanded their advantage in the 52nd minute with a well-executed play. Mira Kuznetsova delivered a precise through ball to Menyailova, who scored with a powerful right-footed strike to make it 3-0.

Despite the deficit, India remained determined and came close to scoring in the 70th minute when substitute Pearl Fernandes struck firmly towards goal, but Emelianova once again demonstrated her skills with a solid save to deny the visitors.

While the final score reflects Russia’s clinical finishing, India showcased moments of potential, particularly through Valaina and Olivia, but were ultimately hampered by key mistakes at crucial junctures.

The two teams will clash again in their final friendly on April 17, with India aiming to regroup and refine their strategies ahead of the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2026.