India women’s football team defeated Iran by a solitary goal to begin its campaign at the Hero Gold Cup on a winning note at the Kalinga Stadium on Saturday.
Anju Tamang’s match-winner in the 48th minute ensured India made it five wins in a row, having won the last four friendlies against Hong Kong and Indonesia respectively.
The first chance of the game fell to the host right in the second minute itself. Winger Dangmei Grace latched on to a loose back-pass and raced towards the goal but the resultant shot was cleared away by the rival goalkeeper.
After the initial scare, Iran began to make its way into the game but the Indians were equal to the task. The half was played predominantly in the midfield as both sides battled for territory with coach Maymol Rocky’s side enjoying the better of the chances.
In the 15th minute, Anju showed some great skill to get into Iran box and cut in to find Ratanbala Devi but her first-time shot was wide of the target.
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Seven minutes later, Sanju got her head to a cross, but the effort did not have enough power.
India got its next chance in the 30th minute after a searching ball from the right flank caused chaos in the Iranian penalty area. The ball fell to Ratanbala, who had her back to goal and laid it off but the shot was cleared off the line by a rival defender.
As the match headed towards the interval, Iran caused a serious scare for the home side after forward Sara Ghomimarzdashti ran through towards goal. Her shot was on target but Indian custodian Aditi Chauhan stooped tall to prevent any damage.
After the breather, India got off to an electric start as Ratanbala played in Sanju and her shot from a tight angle just flied over the crossbar in the 46th minute.
Spurred, the same duo combined excellently two minutes later to set up the opening goal.
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Sanju was played in behind the defence and with an excellent first touch she drew out the rival goalkeeper. With her second touch, she then squared the ball to Anju, who slotted it home to give India a deserving lead.
Three minutes later, Indumathi took aim from distance but her powerful effort whizzed past the post.
Iran then applied more pressure but the Indian defence stood firm. The centre-back pairing of Ashalata Devi and Sweety Devi were excellent in their positioning, while Aditi was calm in handling the ball and marshalled her troops well.
The visitor continued to throw players forward, leaving them vulnerable on the break, and India almost grabbed a second in the process but was denied by the woodwork.
Sanju found space at the edge of the penalty area and went for goal, but her shot came back off the crossbar.
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