India U17 Women's Football Team Faces Defeat Against Russia in Friendly Match

India U17 Women’s Team Struggles in Sochi

The India U17 women's football squad experienced a setback, losing 0-3 to Russia during their second friendly match at the Matsesta Football Centre in Sochi on Tuesday.

Russia's Valeria Menyailova scored two goals shortly after halftime (49', 52'), following an initial goal from Sofia Svyatnaya (18'). The Russian team capitalized on critical mistakes made by the Indian side to secure their victory. Notably, while the entire Russian team was born in 2009, India's starting lineup featured four players born in 2009, four in 2011, and three in 2010, according to the AIFF.

Coached by Italian Pamela Conti, the Young Tigresses are utilizing these matches as preparation for the upcoming AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2026. In their first encounter against Russia three days prior, India suffered a 0-4 defeat.

Russia started aggressively, nearly scoring in the second minute when Menyailova showcased her skills inside the box, but her shot was expertly saved by Indian goalkeeper Munni. Menyailova continued to threaten, coming close again in the 10th minute, only to be denied by another impressive save from Munni.

India took some time to find their rhythm, with their first shot on target occurring in the 13th minute when Valaina Fernandes attempted a long-range effort, which was easily caught by goalkeeper Emelianova Anastasiya. A minute later, Valaina set up Olivia Chanu Ningthoujam, who also tested the Russian keeper, marking Olivia's debut in youth international football for India.

Despite India's increasing involvement, Russia broke the deadlock in the 18th minute due to a misjudgment by Munni on a free-kick from Svyatnaya, allowing the ball to slip through her grasp and into the net.

This setback prompted the Young Tigresses to push forward, creating opportunities. Their best chance of the first half came in the 32nd minute when Valaina attempted a curling shot towards the far corner, but Emelianova was quick to react and parried the ball away, maintaining Russia's lead at halftime.

India's hopes for a comeback were dashed early in the second half due to a defensive error. In the 49th minute, a series of poor backpasses led to Menyailova intercepting the ball, rounding Munni, and scoring to double Russia's lead.

Russia extended their advantage in the 52nd minute with a well-executed play, as Mira Kuznetsova delivered a precise pass to Menyailova, who finished with a powerful strike, making it 3-0.

Despite the scoreline, India continued to press forward and nearly scored in the 70th minute when substitute Pearl Fernandes took a strong shot, but Emelianova was again up to the challenge, making a solid save.

While the final score highlighted Russia's efficiency, India displayed promising moments, particularly from Valaina and Olivia, but ultimately fell victim to critical individual errors.

The two teams are set to clash again in their final friendly on April 17, as India aims to regroup and refine their strategies ahead of the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2026.

India U17 Women: Munni (GK), Elizabed Lakra, Divyani Linda, Thandamoni Baskey (Bonifilia Shullai 82'), Julan Nongmaithem (Joya 88'), Olivia Chanu Ningthoujam (Anushka Kumari 82'), Ritu Badaik (Alisha Lyngdoh 62'), Valaina Fernandes (Pearl Fernandes 62'), Redima Devi Chingkhamayum, Abhista Basnett, Alva Devi Senjam (Pritika Barman 62').