Indian women's team scores five past Hong Kong

Dangmei Grace starred for Indian women's team with two goals as it beat Hong Kong 5-2.

India's tour of Hong Kong got off to a great start with a 5-2 win.

The Indian women’s team got its tour of Hong Kong off to a great start with a 5-2 win over the hosts on Monday, January 21.

Dangmei Grace was the star of the show for India as she netted twice to give the away side the early lead while Sanju Yadav, Sumithra and Ratanbala Devi chipped in with one goal each to make it a memorable win for India.

The Indian eves started off on the front foot, when Indumathi Kathiresan played Grace through on goal in the 6th minute to slot home the first goal. Cheung Wai Ki equalised for Hong Kong on the 17th minute, but Grace put India back in the lead in the 22nd minute, combining well with Anju Tamang.

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On the stroke of half time, India defender Dalima Chhibber sent in a cross that was masterfully nodded past the goalline by Sanju Yadav, to make the score 3-1 in India’s favour.

The women's national football team will play round two of the Olympic qualifiers in April this year.

 

Hong Kong came out all guns blazing in the second half and eventually managed to reduce the deficit in the 70th minute as Chung Pui Ki scored from a corner.

However, India doubled its lead in the 82nd minute when Sumithra latched on to a pass from second-half substitute Pyari Xaxa, to make it 4-2. Ratanbala added gloss to the scoreline as she combined with Yadav to score the fifth Indian goal.

The team led by Aditi Chauhan will play its second match against Hong Kong on Wednesday, January 23 with kick-off slated for 6 PM IST.

Result

 

India Starting XI:  Aditi Chauhan (c); Sweety Devi, Ashalata Devi, Dalima Chhibber, Jabamani Tudu; Sangita Basfore, Sanju Yadav, Indumathi Kathiresan; Ratanbala Devi, Dangmei Grace, Anju Tamang.