India Wins 5-0 to Kyrgyz Republic in Group G AFC Women’s Olympic Qualifying Round 1

India scored a win against Kyrgyz Republic 5-0 in the first of the two-legged tie for round 1 of the Group G AFC Women’s Olympic qualifier game.

Written by: Arjita Gupta

Edited by: Krutarth Ghosalkar

Last Updated: 2023-04-05 08:07:28

The wards of Thomas Dennerby had not won in the previous five international engagements in 2023. And in Dolon Omurzakov Stadium, they finally unleashed a display of talent and skilled teamwork. They won over the hosts 5-0 clear, and the Kyrgyz Republic lost the first of the Group G AFC Women’s Olympic Qualifying Round 1 two-legged tie, on Tuesday. The victory increased India's likelihood of qualifying for the following round.

The two teams will confront each other once again in the second leg on Friday, wherein India will be already in the lead. The girls went on to win thanks to Anju Tamang's double strike and Soumya Guguloth's clinical volley in the initial half of the game, and then two more goals from Renu and Shilky Devi Hemam in the second half.

The Blue Tigresses began the game and took control of it in no time as Anju scored the first in the 6^th minute. And she headed home from close range the rebound as Abibulla (opposition goalkeeper) attempted to save the freekick from Dalima Chhibber. Before even the hosts could gain some ground in the match, Anju scored repeatedly giving India an upper hand with a two-goal advantage.

And then Anju delivered an easy finish from Soumya’s cross from the right wing. India had a comfortable 3-0 lead at the half after Soumya's magnificent volley into the top corner of the goal four minutes later. Shilky scored the fourth goal in the 61st minute by smashing the ball into the bottom corner after receiving a thoughtful pass from Indumathi inside the box.

Renu took over for Sandhiya in the 62nd minute, and a minute later she scored the fifth goal of the game from a Dalima free-kick. India (Starting XI) has players such as Shreya Hooda (GK), Anju Tamang ( Karishma Shirvoikar 80’), Soumya Guguloth (Dangmei Grace 66’), Manisa Panna, Shilky Devi (Ritu Rani 89’), Sweety Devi, Ashalata Devi, Indumathi, Dalima Chhibber, Sandhiya Ranganathan (Renu 62’), and Karthika Angamuthu (Sangita Basfore 80’).