The India U20 women’s national team produced a commanding second-half display to trounce hosts Uzbekistan 4-1 in their second friendly encounter at the Do’stlik Stadium on Wednesday.
After a 1-1 stalemate in the opening match, the Young Tigresses made a statement in their second outing, with a brace from Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam (28’, 85’) and goals from Sulanjana Raul (65’) and Neha (71’) sealing a convincing win. Shakhnoza Dekanbaeva (37’) scored the lone goal for Uzbekistan.
Tactical tweaks and strong response
Uzbekistan made four changes to their starting XI, while India coach Joakim Alexandersson opted for two – bringing in Juhi Singh for Nishima Kumari at the back and Arina Devi Nameirakpam in midfield in place of Lhingdeikim.
India looked more assured from the outset and grabbed the early lead in the 28th minute when Sibani slotted home from close range following a precise cross from Neha. But the hosts levelled just before the break, as Dekanbaeva took advantage of a lapse in India’s defence to make it 1-1.
India take control after the break
The second half belonged entirely to the visitors. Just after the hour mark, Sulanjana Raul calmly brought down a long ball from Cindy Colney and slotted it past the Uzbek goalkeeper to restore India’s lead.
Moments later, Sulanjana turned provider, slipping a clever through ball to Neha, who chipped Ezoza Sevinova from distance to put India 3-1 up in the 71st minute.
Even after being reduced to 10 players — with Cindy sent off for a late tackle — the Indian side refused to slow down. In the 85th minute, substitute Bhumika Devi Khumukcham dribbled past two defenders and squared the ball for Sibani, who drilled home her second of the night to round off the 4-1 win.
Matchday squad:
India U20 Women: Monalisha Devi Moirangthem (GK), Remi Thokchom, Juhi Singh (Nishima Kumari 46’), Cindy Remruatpuii Colney, Arina Devi Nameirakpam (Lhingdeikim 69’), Neha (Bhumika Khumukcham 83’), Pooja (Khushbu Saroj 69’), Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam, Shubhangi Singh (C), Anju Chanu Kayenpaibam (Alina Chingkham 78’), Sulanjana Raul (Fragrancy 83’).
The emphatic result underlines the potential of the next generation of Indian women footballers as they gear up for future international campaigns.
