The Indian women's football team cruised to a 2-0 win against Indonesia in its first match of the Olympic Qualifiers Round at the Mandalarthiri Stadium in Mandalay, Myanmar on Wednesday.
Dangmei Grace’s brace proved to be the difference between the two teams in a match largely dominated by the Indian team.
“We wanted to start our qualifying campaign on a winning note and we have done so. Indonesia proved to be tough opponents that committed bodies in defence but we found a way to gather three points,” head coach Maymol Rocky said post the win.
“It is important to keep the winning momentum alive and we were able to do so. We are taking one match at a time and our focus shifts on our next opponents Nepal," she added.
Having won its fifth consecutive SAAF title, the Indian women played an attacking brand of football from the start, with Sanju and Ratnabala Devi wreaking havoc on the flanks.
Sanju’s cross in the 24th minute caused chaos in the Indonesian defence and nearly led to an own goal. Although Indonesia survived a scare, three minutes later, it couldn't stop Grace from scoring.
Sandhiya created an opportunity by foxing the defence and a stinger of a shot from inside the box was saved by the Indonesian custodian Riska Julianti. However, Grace slotted home to give India the lead in the 27th minute.
The Indian defence then further tightened up as Indonesia searched for an equaliser but India was successful in going into the half-time break with a 1-0 lead.
The second half saw India eves further dominate as it continued its attacking style of play. Grace doubled her tally for the evening when she struck in the 67th minute.
Sumithra Kamaraj's shot was parried away by the rival goalkeeper and Grace latched onto the rebound to make it 2-0.
The Indians held on to their lead to get their campaign off to a winning start and soar to the pole position in Group A of the Olympic Qualifiers Round 2.
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