Jamshedpur: The India U-18 girls kicked-off their SAFF U-18 Championship campaign with a 7-0 win over Nepal at the JRD Tata Sports Complex here. India next play Bangladesh on March 19.
In a late evening game on Tuesday, the first goal was scored by Priyanka Sujeesh in the 15th minute while Lynda Kom scored two more in the 17th and 35th minutes, respectively. In the second-half, India scored back-to-back goals — Apurna scoring in the 69th minute, followed by Purnima in the 77th minute.
In the 87th minute, Sunita Munda made it 6-0, while Nitu Linda completed the score-line in added time.
The first half saw India dominate possession, and the hosts surged into the lead in the 15th minute when Priyanka went past the goalkeeper to slot it home.
Two minutes later, Lynda Kom scored the second off a brilliant pass from Anita Kumari from the left.
Lynda Kom scored her second in the 35th minute — this time off another magnificent cross from outside the box by defender Ritu Devi.
Lynda almost completed a hat-trick in the 42nd minute but it narrowly missed the target, as India headed into half-time enjoying a three-goal cushion.
Changing over, the storyline remained the same with India dominating the proceedings. Head coach Thomas Dennerby made his first change in the 46th minute when Martina and Lynda were replaced by Apurna and Shubhang, respectively.
Apurna netted the fourth goal as she curled it with her left foot.
Substitutions followed — Priyanka and Naketa were replaced by Nitu Linda and Poonam. The fifth goal came in the 77th minute — Purnima Kumari heading it in off Astam’s free-kick.
Sunita Munda made it 6-0 in the 87th minute, while Nitu Linda scored the last one of the day in 90+6 when she tapped in Anita Kumari’s cross.
India: Melody Keisham (GK), Ritu Devi, Naketa (Poonam 80′), Shilky Devi, Astam Oraon, Martina Thokchom (Apurna 46′), Amisha Baxla, Lynda Kom (Shubhang 46′), Priyanka Sujeesh (Nitu Linda 75′), Anita Kumari, Purnima Kumari.
–IANS