02-Aug-2017
After spurring India to a 2-0 convincing win in their International Friendly against Malaysia at the MP Selayang Stadium in Kuala Lumpur earlier on July 31, the four Odisha players of the National team received a warm reception here at the Biju Patnaik International Airport here on their returned home today.
Sundargarh tribal girl Pyari Xaxa, who scored both the goals for India was obviously the cynosure of all eyes. After a barren first half, speedy striker Pyari scored the two goals in the 79th and 86th minutes.
Pyari’s superlative performance assumed added significances with the speedy striker achieving the feat as a substitute player, replacing Anju Tamang in the 51st minute.
Out of four Odisha players in the Indian team, Pyari and defender Manisha Panna got the opportunity to play in the lone international friendly. Other two Odisha players to tour Malaysia with the 22-member Indian team were defender Jabamani Tudu and mid-fielder Lochana Munda.
The Indian women played a total of two matches in the tour. Earlier on July 28, they held Malaysia to a 2-2 draw in first international match, which, however was an unofficial one. Mandakini Devi and Kamala Devi scored the two goals for India.
----------------------------------------------------------- PHOTOS ------------------------------------------------------------------
TOP: Odisha women football internationals (L to R) Lochana Munda, Pyari Xaxa, Munda and Manisha Panna in Bhubaneswar on August 2, 2017.
