Asian Games bound eves lose 0-3 to Shanghai mixed team
India conceded on both sides of halftime with their best chance coming in the second period when just appointed captain Bembem Devi failed to convert from the penalty spot.
India took time to adjust to the conditions at the Century Park stadium in Shanghai. The hosts, a mixed bag of U-16 and U-18 girls and boys – mostly European – training at the Park facilities, took advantage of their counterparts’ initial jitteriness to surge ahead in the 20th minute. A well take free kick flew past goalkeeper Aditi Chauhan and into her right top corner.
Stung by the early goal, the twice SAFF champions pressed the accelerator. Striker Bala Devi missed a gilt edged chance shooting over from Sasmita Malik’s in swinging cross from the right. Moments later the Women’s Nationals highest scorer fluffed again from close, this time dragging her effort wide after good work down the middle by Bembem and Premi Devi.
Changing over, India had their best chance to draw level. Winger Kamala Devi cut inside two markers to dart inside the box only to be felled by the last stopper back. The referee pointed to the spot but Bembem uncharacteristically put her take over the frame.
The hosts doubled their tally against the run of play with India on the prowl. A swift counter attacking down the left channel provided the second goal for the Shanghai outfit.
India refused to throw in the towel as coach Tarun Roy made the most of endless number of substitutions’ rule in friendlies, ringing in a host of changes.
But best efforts fell flat as they went further down with ten minutes to go India’s day was summed up when keeper Aditi’s double save to deny the rival striker from appetizing angles went up in smoke as on the second rebound the ball was poked home mercilessly.
India next play Shanghai SVT on Sep 2.
INDIA: Aditi Chauhan, Romi Devi (Suprava Samal – 73rd), Ashalata Devi, Umapati Devi – Radharani Devi – 73rd) , Tuli Goon (Supriya Samal – 81st), Bembem Devi (Indumati – 81st), Premi Devi (Amoolya Kamal – 66th), Kamala Devi, Sasmita Malik (Mandakini Devi – 73rd), Prameshwori Devi (Dangmei Grace – 66th), Bala Devi.
Image: AIFF Media
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