BHUBANESWAR 11-Feb-2019
Lower-ranked Nepal caused a major upset in the ongoing Hero Gold Four-Nation Women Football Tournament, defeating hosts India 2-1 here at Kalinga Stadium today. This was the first defeat in two matches for India, who earlier edged out higher-ranked Iran 1-0 earlier on the opening day.
Much to the disappointment of the home fans, India set up the platform for defeat by conceding two goals in the first six minutes. Sabitra Bhandari was the star of the Nepal win, netting the two goals in the fourth and sixth minutes.
Although Ratnabala Devi pulled one back for India in the 83rd minute, Nepal held on to their lead to register their first win in the tournament. Poor performance by captain and goalkeeper Aditi Chauhan cost India dear in this match. Aditi was slow and made silly mistakes under the bar.
India coach Rocky Maymol also unspiring and failed to work out a strong game-plan for her team. Indian players played defensive football and they showed some aggression it was too late.
On the other hand Nepal women worked hard and fully deserved the win. Earlier in the day, top-ranked Myanmar beat Islamic Republic of Iran 2-0 to storm into the final with two wins in a row.
INDIAN STARTING XI: Aditi Chauhan (GK, C); Dalima Chhibber, Sweety Devi, Ashalata Devi, Jabamani Tudu; Sangita, Indumathi K, Ratanbala Devi; Sanju, Dangmei Grace, Anju.
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PHOTO: Nepal striker Sabitra Bhandari celebrates after scoring her second goal against India in Bhubaneswar on Feb 11, 2019.
