India U17 women go down to Russia in first Sochi friendly

New Delhi: The Indian U17 women's team lost 0-4 to Russia in the first of three friendly matches at the Matsesta Football Center in Sochi, Russia, on Saturday (April 11).

Valeria Menyailova put the hosts ahead in the 44th minute. Dana Dobrovitskaya and Alisa Klimova converted penalties in the 57th and 72nd minutes, respectively, before Angelina Gulyayeva rounded off the scoring in the 88th.

The Young Tigresses, coached by Italian Pamela Conti, are using these matches to prepare for next month's all-important AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup China 2026.

India started brightly, looking more eager on the ball, while the hosts remained cautious. Redima Devi Chingkhamayum almost opened the scoring midway through the first half when she struck from 20 yards, but it was prevented from going into the bottom corner by a brilliant save from goalkeeper Daria Volodicheva.

Russia opened their tally in the 44th minute when Polina Frolova dispossessed Elizabed Lakra on the left flank and pushed forward to Valeria Menyailova, who beat goalkeeper Munni with a crisp finish low at the near post.

As the Indians worked hard and did a lot of running to check the Russian moves and build up their own, Redima, skipper Bonfilia Shullai and Alva Devi Senjam excelled and pieced togethera number of moves down the left corridor. But their final shots or crosses lacked the sting to cause any problems.

The Indians kept up the fight early in the second half, but conceded a penalty soon. Divyani Linda, Elizabed and Abhista Basnett all rushed in to check Dana Dobrovitskaya inside the box, and the Russian striker fell in a heap. The referee pointed to the spot, and Dana made no mistake, placing low to Munni’s left in the 57th minute. Soon after, Alisa Klimova, after being tripped by Abhista, converted another penalty to make it 3-0.

Tags : football, india women, Sochi, Russia, Valeria Menyailova, Dana Dobrovitskaya, Alisa Klimova