India U20 Women's Team Concludes Pink Youth Cup with 3-0 Loss to Russia
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Synopsis
The India U20 women's team faced a disappointing end to their Pink Ladies Youth Cup campaign, losing 0-3 to Russia. Despite early chances and a resilient effort, they couldn't find the net, leaving them with two wins and a defeat during the tournament.
Key Takeaways
- India U20 women's team faced a 0-3 defeat against Russia.
- Russia scored early, dominating the first half.
- India created several opportunities but failed to score.
- The matches served as preparation for upcoming championships.
- Overall, India completed the Turkiye tour with two wins.
Manavgat (Turkiye), Feb 25 (NationPress) The India U20 women's team concluded their journey in the Pink Ladies Youth Cup with a 0-3 loss to Russia at the Emirhan Sports Center on Tuesday. Russia found the net twice within the first 17 minutes and added another shortly after the break. Despite India's efforts to score, they left without any goals.
The Young Tigresses had previously triumphed over Jordan with a score of 2-1 and defeated Hong Kong 1-0 last week. These friendly matches served as preparation for the SAFF U20 Women's Championship and the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup Qualifiers, set for July and August, respectively.
The match began with both teams attacking each other's defense fiercely. Lhingdeikim narrowly missed scoring with a 20-yard effort that went over the net, while Arina Shuba tested Moirangthem Monalisha Devi with a significant one-on-one chance.
As the match progressed, Russia gained the upper hand, forcing India into a defensive stance. In the 15th minute, Mariia Nachaeva scored from a free-kick delivered by Tatiana Danilochkina, heading it into the far corner.
Just two minutes later, Polina Pavlova extended the lead with a powerful half-volley from 20 yards that rocketed into the top corner.
Following this early onslaught, India managed to stabilize their defense until halftime. However, just two minutes after the restart, Natalia Perminova scored again for Russia, finishing a cutback from 10 yards out.
In search of a goal, India increased their attacking efforts. This approach bore fruit as they created multiple scoring chances while holding off Russia's advances.
Lhingdeikim, who previously scored against Jordan, came closest to scoring for India. The 17-year-old skillfully maneuvered past her defender and unleashed a low shot that the goalkeeper couldn't reach, but Iuliana Kamorina made an extraordinary goal-line clearance.
She also attempted a curling right-footed free-kick that was saved by Uliana Obukhova. Sibani Devi and Pooja, who had previously scored match-winners against Hong Kong and Jordan, narrowly missed their targets. Sibani intercepted a ball in the Russian box, but her left-footed shot went over the bar. Pooja's first-time shot from just outside the box sailed inches over the goal.
In the closing moments, Neha's corner kick found Toijam Thoibisana Chanu, who volleyed over from six yards out. Ultimately, the Young Tigresses finished their tour in Turkiye with two victories and one defeat.
