Stockholm [Sweden], October 23 (ANI): India’s women’s soccer team fought against Swedish Djurgarden IF with a narrow goal in the second friendly match which was arranged on Saturday at Stockholmsstadion here.
Djurgården forward Fanny’s goal (45 ‘) gave them a hard fought victory against Indian eves.
Coach Thomas Dennerby gave Shreya the gloves. He started off with a 4-3-3 lineup with Manisha and Dangmei Grace on the flanks to support Pyari at the heart of the attack.
The Swedish suit could have opened the scoring already in the third minute, just for being denied by Shreya. Ten minutes later, Anju’s long curling corner was met by Ashalata at the far post but the opposing guard made a well-kept save.
Shreya was in thickness again once before half an hour when she denied Engolo from scoring the initial goal.
Sanju rolled it in for Grace but her effort was expected by goalkeeper Kelsey well in advance. At the dying glow of the first half, Fanny scored the first goal, the final winner, to give them a decisive lead.
Dennerby made three changes after the change and threw in Michel Castanha, Sumati Kumari and Ranjana Chanu instead of Dalima Chhibber, Grace and Astam Oraon.
The changes could have paid off early on for India but Sumatis’ cross missed the target with a whisk in the 63rd minute.
Ranjana made another crucial save 15 minutes from the end of the regulation period. Manisha made a bold effort during the extra time just to see the shot fly over the crossbar. A minute later, Indumathi’s free kick could have been better but Ranjana’s effort missed the target.
The referee ended the match with Djurgarden who took the narrow win in India’s last match in Sweden. The squad will now return to India on October 25, before resuming training for the AFC Asian Cup, which will take place next year.
Earlier, the Indian women’s team had lost their first friendly match by 2-3 against the Swedish top team Hammarby IF. (ANI)
Source: sn.dk