New Delhi [India], October 30 : The Indian women's football team played an exhibition match with Nepal at a packed Paljor Stadium in Gangtok on Wednesday. The match ended 1-1 before Nepal emerged 3-0 winners in the penalty shootout, as per the official website of the All India Football Federation (AIFF).
Organised by the Sikkim Football Association, the exhibition match in the picturesque hill venue witnessed a capacity crowd and thousands of fans cheering on as the Blue Tigresses played in Sikkim for the first time. This match, however, was not an official FIFA Friendly and will not count towards FIFA ranking points.
Shri Prem Singh Tamang Golay, Hon'ble Chief Minister of Sikkim, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Entry to the match was made free to allow football fans from all corners of Sikkim and neighbouring districts to enjoy the contest.
For India, head coach Crispin Chettri had a completely new starting XI from Monday's match against Nepal in the Tri-Nation Friendly in Shillong. Only Santosh and Malati Munda were part of that matchday squad, though both had remained unused substitutes there. While Nepal travelled with the same matchday squad, head coach Nabin Neupane retained only one starter from the previous game.
Both sides started energetically, creating half-chances inside the opening ten minutes Dhurga Perumal for India and Purnima Rai for Nepal each saw their volleys drift wide. In the 26th minute, Indian goalkeeper Sowmiya Narayanasamy made a fine save at her near post to deny Meena Deuba's effort from outside the box.
India struck soon after. In the 30th minute, Soumya Guguloth intercepted a misplaced pass from Nisha Thokar in the attacking third, drove into the box, and slotted calmly into the bottom corner from 12 yards to give India the lead. Nepal responded swiftly, forcing Sowmiya into another excellent save from captain Anita Basnet's curling free-kick in the 33rd minute. The game grew more physical as half-time approached, but Nepal managed to level just before the whistle. Rashmi Kumari Ghising headed home from an Anita Basnet corner in the second minute of added time, her effort bouncing off the ground and looping into the net.
India came close again right after the restart, when Soumya's low ball across goal was inches away from being tapped in by Priyadharshini Selladurai in the 48th minute. Chances were harder to come by in the second half, with both defences standing firm. Nepal's Saru Limbu dragged a shot wide midway through, while at the other end, Soumya and Priyadharshini both saw their efforts saved by goalkeeper Usha Nath.
Nepal substitute Sabita Rana Magar fired a half-volley over the bar in the 79th minute as the match ended 1-1 in regulation time.
The exhibition match went straight to penalties, where Nepal emerged 3-0 winners. Sabita Rana Magar, Rashmi Kumari Ghising, and Nisha Thokar scored for Nepal, while Priyadharshini, Santosh, and Astam Oraon missed for India, with substitute keeper Anjana Rana Magar saving two attempts.
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