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Time of India
05-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
India qualify for Women's Asian Cup
"We did it!" India's star for the day, Sangita Basfore, could be heard crying to her teammates after the final whistle was blown in the 'knockout' Women's Asian Cup Qualifier fixture at the 700th Anniversary of Chiang Mai Stadium on Saturday. And the tears of joy in the Indian women's eyes reflected the tall task they achieved in beating world No. 46 Thailand 2-1 in their last match of the qualifiers in Chiang Mai, Thailand, and booking a ticket to the Women's Asian Cup 2026 in Australia. The two-time World Cuppers — boosted by a huge crowd cheering on the home side — showed their class with their trademark constant press. But the Indian defence stood strong and Basfore pounced on two of the few golden chances created by the visitors — one on either side of the break — to earn a memorable victory, India's first against the opponents who lie 24 rungs above them on the FIFA ladder. "We played as a team and that's why I could score the two goals and qualify for the Asian Cup," Basfore said at the post-match presentation. The truth in her statement was evident throughout the game where the hosts enjoyed a major chunk of possession but were met by the gritty defence led by Shilky Devi Hemam, Sweety Devi, Nirmala Devi and Sanju. On the other hand, star winger Manisha Kalyan kept troubling the Thai defence with her sharp runs, pace and dribbles up the left wing. It was also an unforgettable game for Panthoi Chanu under the bar as she made at least two brilliant saves to keep India in the game. With Thai skipper Saowalak Pengngam, star attacker Jiraporn Mongkoldee and winger Pattaranan Aupachai leading constant attacks into the Indian box, Panthoi made a crucial save off a Saowalak shot at goalmouth in the 15th minute. Two minutes later, it was the woodwork that came in the way of Jiroporn's opener. But it was the Indians' day on the field as after receiving a pass from Anju Tamang outside the Thailand box, Basfore sent in a brilliant volley that left 'keeper Tiffany Sornpao flying but unable to reach the ball that dipped into the top left corner. Crispin Chettri and stand-in coach Priya Valappil's 4-2-3-1 combination worked wonders as Thailand failed to find an equaliser in the first half, aided by another crucial save by Panthoi in the 36th minute to a Jirapon volley that looked destined for the goal. But Thailand came back strongly after the break as Chatchawan Rodthong equalised with a touch to a Saowalak long cross in the 47th minute. This time Panthoi could only dive for it as the ball evaded the woodwork and swerved into the right bottom corner. However, the Indian attack led by Manisha, Pyari Xaxa and Ratanbala Devi kept up their optimism and attacks into the Thailand half and a set piece in the 74th minute brought the Indian efforts to fruition as Basfore nodded in a headed cut-back by Shilky Devi from a corner kick. With the score reading 2-1 in India's favour, Thailand continued their desperate search for an equaliser. But there was no break in the Indian women's grit as they held on and scripted a day to remember for Indian football fans. As Basfore signed off at the presentation, "Our next target is the World Cup!" But for now, they can bask in the glory they have rightfully earned for themselves and the country.
United News of India
31-05-2025
- Sport
- United News of India
India women's football team suffer narrow defeat against Uzbekistan
Bengaluru, May 31 (UNI) India suffered a 0-1 defeat at the hands of Uzbekistan at the Padukone-Dravid Centre for Sports Excellence, in the first of two FIFA International Friendlies here. After a goalless first half, Diyorakhon Khabibullaeva (56') scored the only goal of the match to hand Uzbekistan the win on Friday night. Keeping true to his words, India head coach Crispin Chettri introduced some fresh blood into the team, handing out three debuts against a strong Uzbekistan side. Attackers Manisha Naik and Malavika debuted from the starting XI, while midfielder Priyadharshini came off the bench in the second half for her first cap. An even start to the match saw India earn a few corners, while goalkeeper Panthoi Chanu did well to keep the Uzbekistan attackers at bay in the opening exchanges. Panthoi, who marched in as the Blue Tigresses' captain on Friday, did especially well to collect the ball from Nilufar Kudratova in the eighth minute, after the Uzbekistan forward was played through behind the India defence. As the game wore on, India began to gain more composure, building their own attacks in the Uzbek third. Soumya Guguloth, on the counter, threaded a pass through to Dangmei Grace, who had raced past the Uzbekistan back line, and only had the goalkeeper to beat. However, Maftuna Jonimqulova rushed out of her line and snatched the ball from the India forward's feet. A little after the half-hour mark, Diyorakhon ran on to an aerial through ball, and had just Panthoi to beat. However, India centre-back Shilky Devi showed good presence of mind to contain the Uzbekistan forward with her physical presence, allowing Panthoi time to snatch the ball. With the score level, India coach Chettri brought striker Pyari Xaxa into the game instead of Manisha Naik, thus pushing Grace into midfield. The move seemed to have been working in the initial stages of the second half, as India began to enjoy long bouts of possession in the Uzbekistan half. However, it also left them more susceptible to a counter-attack, which resulted in the deciding goal. Maftuna Shoyimova, who was freed down the left flank, sent in a pinpoint cross into the India box, as Diyorakhon tapped it in from close range in the 56th minute, to give her side the lead. Diyorakhon had a chance to double the lead on the hour mark when she tried to volley another cross, this time from the left, but the forward could not connect with the ball, as Panthoi plucked it out of the air. India went searching for the equaliser with Pyari being the focal point. Phanjoubam Nirmala Devi sent in a looping cross from the right, which was headed goalwards by Pyari. However, the header lacked power and rolled wide with around 20 minutes to go. Sumati Kumari, advancing down the right wing, sent a low cross to Pyari in the closing stages. The Indian striker trapped the ball and pulled the trigger from the edge of the box. However, Jonimqulova did well to produce a diving save to keep India out. The two sides will meet in the second FIFA International Friendly at the Padukone-Dravid Centre for Sports Excellence on June 3. The match will be streamed live on the Indian Football YouTube Channel. India: Elangbam Panthoi Chanu (GK, C), Nirmala Devi Phanjoubam (Kiran Pisda 88'), Shilky Devi Hemam, Purnima Kumari (Ngangbam Sweety Devi 88'), Sangita Basfore (Lisham Babina Devi 88'), Soumya Guguloth, Sanju, Ratanbala Devi Nongmaithem, Grace Dangmei (Priyadharshini 74'), Manisha Naik (Pyari Xaxa 46'), Malavika P (Sumati Kumari 74'). UNI BM
The Hindu
31-05-2025
- Sport
- The Hindu
India lose 0-1 to Uzbekistan in women's football friendly
Diyorakhon Khabibullaeva struck the solitary goal as the Indian women's football team went down 0-1 to Uzbekistan in the first of two FIFA International Friendlies, in Bengaluru on Friday (May 30, 2025). After a goalless first half, Khabibullaeva broke the deadlock in the 56th minute to secure the win for the hosts. The two teams will face off again in the second friendly on June 3. India earned a few corners early on, while goalkeeper Panthoi Chanu did well to keep the Uzbekistan attackers at bay in the opening exchanges. Panthoi, who marched in as the captain on Friday (May 30, 2025), did especially well to collect the ball from Nilufar Kudratova in the eighth minute, after the Uzbekistan forward was played through behind the India defence. As the game wore on, India began to gain more composure, building their own attacks in the Uzbek third. Soumya Guguloth, on the counter, threaded a pass through to Dangmei Grace, who had raced past the Uzbekistan back line and only had the goalkeeper to beat. However, Maftuna Jonimqulova rushed out of her line and snatched the ball from the India forward's feet. A little after the half-hour mark, Diyorakhon ran on to an aerial through ball and had just Panthoi to beat. However, India centre-back Shilky Devi showed good presence of mind to contain the Uzbekistan forward with her physical presence, allowing Panthoi some time to snatch the ball. India coach Chettri brought striker Pyari Xaxa into the game instead of Manisha Naik, thus pushing Grace into midfield. The move seemed to have been working in the initial stages of the second half, as India began to enjoy long bouts of possession in the Uzbekistan half. However, it also left them more susceptible to a counter-attack, which resulted in the deciding goal. Maftuna Shoyimova, who was freed down the left flank, sent in a pinpoint cross into the India box. Diyorakhon tapped it in from close range in the 56th minute to give her side the lead. Diyorakhon had a chance to double the lead on the hour mark when she tried to volley another cross, this time from the left, but the forward could not connect with the ball as Panthoi plucked it out of the air. India went searching for the equaliser with Pyari being the focal point. Phanjoubam Nirmala Devi sent in a looping cross from the right, which was headed goalwards by Pyari. However, the header lacked power and rolled wide with around 20 minutes to go. Sumati Kumari, advancing down the right wing, sent a low cross to Pyari in the closing stages. The Indian striker trapped the ball and pulled the trigger from the edge of the box. However, Jonimqulova did well to produce a diving save to keep India out.
Hans India
30-05-2025
- Sport
- Hans India
Uzbekistan edge past gritty India with 1-0 victory in friendly
Bengaluru: India suffered a 0-1 defeat at the hands of Uzbekistan at the Padukone-Dravid Centre for Sports Excellence, in the first of two FIFA International Friendlies, on Friday, May 30. After a goalless first half, Diyorakhon Khabibullaeva (56') scored the only goal of the match to hand Uzbekistan the win. Keeping true to his words, India head coach Crispin Chettri introduced some fresh blood into the team, handing out three debuts against a strong Uzbekistan side. Attackers Manisha Naik and Malavika debuted from the starting XI, while midfielder Priyadharshini came off the bench in the second half for her first cap. An even start to the match saw India earn a few corners, while goalkeeper Panthoi Chanu did well to keep the Uzbekistan attackers at bay in the opening exchanges. Panthoi, who marched in as the Blue Tigresses' captain on Friday, did especially well to collect the ball from Nilufar Kudratova in the eighth minute, after the Uzbekistan forward was played through behind the India defence. As the game wore on, India began to gain more composure, building their own attacks in the Uzbek third. Soumya Guguloth, on the counter, threaded a pass through to Dangmei Grace, who had raced past the Uzbekistan back line, and only had the goalkeeper to beat. However, Maftuna Jonimqulova rushed out of her line and snatched the ball from the India forward's feet. A little after the half-hour mark, Diyorakhon ran on to an aerial through ball, and had just Panthoi to beat. However, India centre-back Shilky Devi showed good presence of mind to contain the Uzbekistan forward with her physical presence, allowing Panthoi time to snatch the ball. With the score level, India coach Chettri brought striker Pyari Xaxa into the game instead of Manisha Naik, thus pushing Grace into midfield. The move seemed to have been working in the initial stages of the second half, as India began to enjoy long bouts of possession in the Uzbekistan half. However, it also left them more susceptible to a counter-attack, which resulted in the deciding goal. Maftuna Shoyimova, who was freed down the left flank, sent in a pinpoint cross into the India box, as Diyorakhon tapped it in from close range in the 56th minute, to give her side the lead. Diyorakhon had a chance to double the lead on the hour mark when she tried to volley another cross, this time from the left, but the forward could not connect with the ball, as Panthoi plucked it out of the air. India went searching for the equaliser with Pyari being the focal point. Phanjoubam Nirmala Devi sent in a looping cross from the right, which was headed goalwards by Pyari. However, the header lacked power and rolled wide with around 20 minutes to go. Sumati Kumari, advancing down the right wing, sent a low cross to Pyari in the closing stages. The Indian striker trapped the ball and pulled the trigger from the edge of the box. However, Jonimqulova did well to produce a diving save to keep India out. The two sides will meet in the second FIFA International Friendly at the Padukone-Dravid Centre for Sports Excellence on June 3.
