The Indian Women’s Team playing their first match under first ever Women head coach of a senior national team, eased past Malasyia 2-0 in an international friendly at the MP Selayang stadium in Kuala Lumpur on Monday.
Riding on two brilliant brace from substitute Pyari Xaxa, the visitors notched up a comfortable win against a side that looked to retain the ball more and defend deep rather than scoring goals.
It was a dominant show by the Indians on the field, especially in the first half, with the first chance coming as early as the fourth minute when a rampaging Dangmei Grace danced her way into the box but shot straight in the hands of the rival goalie, Nurul Azurin.
Another shot from Dalima Chhibber a minute later went into the the hands of Nurul.
However, India’s best chance in the first half came in the 24th minute when a cross from Chhibber was met by a powerful header by Kamala Devi, but it was kept out by a full length dive by Nurul. A wonderfully taken free kick by Prameshwori Devi, three minutes later, escaped the diving hands of Nurul, however was cleared in the goal-line by defender Eslilah Esar.
The introduction of Anju Tamang in place of a mild Sanju, added much needed pace in the game.However, even the change could not open the floodgates.
The combined efforts of some brilliant goalkeeping and desperate defending by the Malasyians, helped by the lack of form by the Indians in the attacking third kept scoresheet nil, as both teams headed into the break.
The second half started on a brighter note for the home team as they managed to the test the Indian defence with some quick counter attacks, with their best and only chance coming in the 70th minute, when forward Malini managed to hit the post.
However, the introduction of super-sub Xaxa in the 52nd minute slowed down the game, helping the Indians to take control once again. In the 67th minute a powerful shot from Xaxa went straight into the hands of Nurul. Three minutes later, it was Xaxa again as she past her marker to break the deadlock and open the score for India.
Xaxa could have added a second two minutes later, but failed to meet a superb cross from Chhibber. However, in the 86th minute she did add a second in the score sheet, heading past the second one at the corner of the net.
“Malasyia is a good team. We analysed how they play in the first half. I went in with instructions from the coach in the second period and with help of my teammates, I was able to score”, said the 20 year old player of the match.
Excited with the first win, head coach Maymol Rocky said, “Really very pleased that the girls played for me in my first ever game. Proud of the girls as they gave their 100 percent.”
Also reserving a praise or two for the striker from Odisha, Rocky said, “I always keep her to go in and change the game in the second half, I’ve known that and did that and it worked for the team.”