Bangkok, Thailand, 19th December 2016: The Indian U18 Women’s team beat Malaysia 3-1 in their final pool game at the 4th Women’s U18 Asia Cup. The result puts India at the top of Pool A with a perfect record of three wins out of three games in the tournament.
Both teams were slow to start off the blocks, with India exhibiting control, and holding the possession, patiently building up play. They had several penetrations into the circle, but could not create a clear opportunity for a goal. Malaysia won the first PC of the game, but India’s defence closed the drag flick down quickly, forcing it wide of the mark.
Not too long after, India scored off their first PC of the game, a deft improvisation straight from the training field giving them a deserved lead. Manpreet Kaur deflected the disguised pass from the dragflick with a superb first time touch into the bottom corner. India had the lead.
The two teams went into halftime separated by that single Indian goal.
India increased the pace of the play in the second half and started making inroads into Malaysia’s stubborn defence. They doubled their lead with another PC in the 39th minute. India’s first shot was blocked by the Malaysian defenders, but in the ensuing tussle, the ball fell free to Poonam who slotted home from within two yards. Malaysia struck back with a goal of their own in the 40th minute, Nuramirah Shakirah scoring off a counter attack.
India widened the deficit in the 46th minute, via a superbly constructed goal finished by Lalremsiami. Manpreet Kaur’s driving pass into the circle was flicked on by Sangita Kumari, and a diving Lalremsiami guided the ball into the goal to give India a 3-1 lead.
From there on India held on to the possession comfortably and stifled Malaysia’s attempts at a comeback, holding on for a well deserved victory.
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