Indian junior women’s hockey team have continued on their merry way as they defeated Malaysia 4-0 to register their third win in the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup happening in South Africa. The Indian eves ended the group stage as group leaders of Group D and have entered the quarterfinals.
Mumtaz Khan opened the scoring for India at the 10-minute mark whereas the onslaught continued as Sangita Kumari doubled the lead in the 11th minute as India ran away with the game. Later Lalrindiki also registered her name on the scoresheet followed by another goal from Mumtaz as she completed her brace in a very one-sided game for the Indians
India played a forwardline strategy as they created an opening in the Malaysian circle to create chances. Their efforts were rewarded when Mumtaz opened the scoring from a brilliant Lalrindiki assist. Lalrindiki was on fire as she assisted again in the next minute this time for Sangita as India came up with two shock strikes to peg back Malaysia.
The Indian team looked very well drilled and exceptionally well led by Salima Tete who has the experience of playing in the senior team aswell. There was a spell where goalkeeper Bichu Devi was called into action and the young goalie made sure that India kept the clean sheet with some stunning saves as Malaysia came out fighting and throwing some punches.
India did extend the lead to a comfortable 3-0 in the 26th minute when Lalrindiki scored from a brilliant assist from Lalremsiami. Lastly in the final quarter, Mumtaz saw an opening and made it 4-0 for India.
However, despite the win, the only concern from the game was India’s penalty corner conversion as the young girls got seven penalty corners and could not even convert one into a goal. That is an area where they need to improve. Other than that the Indian team looked very solid at the back and played their heart out showing their fitness and speed on and off the ball mirroring the traits of their seniors.
After getting their third consecutive win Captain Salima Tete, who was also named Player of the Match, said, “It was a team effort and we are happy with the way we played. It feels great to go into the Quarterfinals without losing a single game. But the tournament actually begins now with the knockouts starting.”
The Indian girls will face South Korea in the quarterfinals on the 8th of April.
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