India got off to a winning start in the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy as it routed its opening match against Malaysia 4-0 here today. Defending champions India played superbly, with the young striker Sangeeta Kumari scoring twice for her team. Preeti Dubey and Udita too found the back of the Malaysia net while her teammates boasted a totally dominant team performance.
Opening thriller match of Women’s Asian Champions Trophy
Early India domination dominated most of the game as India enjoyed the lion’s share of play from the first whistle. Malaysia was the first side to threaten when it earned a penalty corner in the 5th minute. However, the Indian defense remained active and tight, nullifying the Malaysian attack. From there, India continued to enjoy superiority and scored several scoring chances.
The real breakthrough came in the 8th minute when India won two penalty corners in a span of two minutes. On the second attempt, match’s star Sangeeta Kumari capitalized on the variation to give India their first goal. India continued to pile in the pressure, keeping Malaysia pinned in their half for most parts of the first quarter.
Preeti Dubey came close to doubling India’s lead twice. The first one came close when her shot was repelled from up close by the Malaysian keeper while the second was a strike that rang off the side post just before the end of the first quarter.
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Although India dominated the attack in the second quarter, they could not convert any of their four penalty corners. It was a rare miss in an otherwise aggressive attacking display as India continued to pound the Malaysian defense. For the Malaysians, however, a counterattack in the 25th minute won them a penalty corner, but the Indians did not give them a single chance of scoring.
The second half was as lopsided as the first. India dominated possession again and won another penalty corner in the 32nd minute. They could not convert it, however. Malaysian attacks were not memorable; counterattacks were neutralized routinely by the Indian backline.
Preeti Dubey finally made it to the back of the net in the 43rd minute sending the game further and further out of the reach of Malaysia with a 2-0 lead for India. Next minute, the score sheet was by Udita with a third goal stretching the game further and beyond the reach of Malaysia with Sangeeta Kumari hitting the last nail in the coffin with the ball by netting her second goal in the 55th minute for the victory of India with 4-0.
India played a wholesome 4-0 win; a display that indicated not only power, while in attack but also strength in depth with a sound defense. The penalty corner misses for them were a couple of missed conversions but it was sharp when needed. Goals from different sources also testified to their depth and strength.
It will be South Korea next on Tuesday, and India will test if their spree can be maintained to defend the title.
Elsewhere Monday, Japan was held to a 2-2 draw by South Korea, while Olympic silver medalists China made a statement by thrashing Thailand 15-0. India’s performance, despite some missed chances, clearly should have stated its strength and intent among the balance of the teams participating in the tournament to defend their championship title.
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