Indian Arrows Women Juniors Edge Closer But Fall to Roots FC in IWL 2
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Synopsis
The Indian Arrows Women Juniors faced a narrow defeat against Roots FC, marking their first loss in the 2024-25 Indian Women's League 2. A goal from Maibam Nandeshwori Devi secured victory for Roots FC, who now lead Group B.
Key Takeaways
- Indian Arrows Women Juniors lost their first match of the season.
- Maibam Nandeshwori Devi scored the winning goal for Roots FC.
- Roots FC now tops Group B with six points.
- The next match for Indian Arrows is against Casa Barwani SC.
- Head coach Joakim Alexandersson made a key player change.
Bengaluru, April 7 (NationPress) The Indian Arrows Women Juniors faced their first defeat in the 2024-25 Indian Women's League 2, losing 0-1 to the Group B hosts, Roots FC, at the Padukone-Dravid Centre for Sports Excellence Phase 2 on Monday. The decisive goal was scored by Maibam Nandeshwori Devi in the 12th minute.
This loss means that Roots have climbed to the top of Group B with six points from two matches. Meanwhile, the Indian Arrows Women Juniors, who previously triumphed over Pudhuvai Unicorns and Inter Kashi, currently occupy the second position. The top two teams in the five-team group will qualify for the final round. The Indian Arrows Women Juniors aim to secure their spot in the finals when they take on Casa Barwani SC in their upcoming match on Wednesday.
Head coach Joakim Alexandersson made a single adjustment to the line-up from their last game, incorporating striker Valaina Fernandes in place of winger Rupashree Munda.
Roots FC took an early lead with a beautifully coordinated team effort in the 12th minute. Winger Rosy Thanga sprinted down the left flank and delivered a precise low cross into the six-yard box, where striker Nandeshwori Devi finished with a first-time shot.
The home team displayed solid defensive capabilities, effectively stifling the Indian Arrows’ attempts to penetrate through the center. Although Alexandersson’s squad controlled possession for the remainder of the match in search of an equalizer, they struggled to create significant threats against goalkeeper Sonakshi Singh.
The Roots goalkeeper executed one impressive save, denying Julan Nongmaithem’s volley with an outstretched hand early in the second half. As time ran out, urgency mounted within the Arrows' camp, compelling the Swedish coach to make offensive substitutions, bringing on players such as Tonamabam Taniya Devi, Rupashree Munda, and Gurnaz Kaur.
Valaina came tantalizingly close to scoring from 18 yards, sending an instinctive half-volley just over the crossbar. Viksit Bara, who had scored from the center circle in their previous match, saw a 35-yard free-kick attempt narrowly miss the target.
