Indian girls beat Bhutan 1-0, enter semifinals

Thimphu, August 13

The Indian U-15 women’s team progressed to the semifinals of the SAFF Championship after defeating hosts Bhutan 1-0 at the Changlimithang Stadium here on Monday.

Shilky Devi’s 58th minute strike proved to be the difference between the two teams in a tightly contested match, in which India rattled the bar twice.

The semifinals of the championship are slated to kick-off on Thursday, and India will face either Nepal or Bangladesh.

Although Bhutan started the game on an attacking note and dominated possession initially, the Indian women had an excellent opportunity to go ahead in the 13th minute but Kiran failed to make the most of her chance from inside the box.

In the 31st minute, India rattled the woodwork after Sunita Munda found Kritina Devi on the flanks with some crafty work. Kritina’s first-time effort from long range rebounded off the bar, only for her to shoot wide on the second attempt. 

Five minutes later, Bhutan caught the Indian defence napping and hit the side netting from inside the box to give the visitors a scare.

Shilky’s volley from inside the box in the 41st minute went inches over the bar as India continued to press hard. 

In the 55th minute, Avika Singh’s effort from distance rattled the crossbar once again. India finally managed to score the winning goal three minutes later when Shilky found the back of the net from inside the box. — PTI