The Indian U20 women’s football team had a solid start to their campaign in the Pink Ladies U20 Youth Cup, defeating Jordan 2-1 in an exciting battle. The game played on February 21, 2025, demonstrated the team’s perseverance and attacking purpose as they defeated a difficult Jordanian side to win all three points.
Match Overview
The game began with both teams demonstrating strong intensity and aggressive play, with Jordan pressing aggressively in the early minutes. India, under the leadership of their head coach, maintained their defensive structure and gradually began to control possession. Despite early pressure from Jordan, India maintained their position and produced many attacking opportunities. The first half went goalless, but the Indian squad came out strong in the second half, making for a thrilling 45 minutes of football.
Key Moments of the Match
Lhingdeikim: scored in the 63rd minute, breaking the game with a precise finish inside the penalty box. The goal was set up by a well-executed passing move from midfield that caught Jordan’s defence by surprise.
Jordan’s Equalizer: Jordan replied promptly, increasing their onslaught and equalizing only a few minutes later. Their attacker seized on India’s defensive error, tying the score to 1-1.
77th Minute – Pooja’s Winning Goal: The Indians refused to accept a draw and instead pushed forward. Their perseverance paid off when Pooja scored the winning goal in the 77th minute, capping a quick counterattack that penetrated Jordan’s defence. Her perfect shot gave the goalkeeper no chance, clinching India’s 2-1 triumph.
Coach and Players’ Reactions
Following the game, the Indian U20 head coach lauded his team’s tenacity and tactical discipline. He emphasized the significance of this victory in raising morale for the remainder of the competition. Lhingdeikim, the initial goal scorer, emphasized her joy, saying, “Scoring for my country in an international tournament is a dream come true.” We worked hard, and I’m delighted we began with a victory.”Pooja, who scored the winning goal, said: “We never gave up, even after Jordan equalized. This victory is only the beginning, and we intend to keep the momentum rolling.
Significance of the Win
A winning start boosts: The team’s confidence for future contests.
Tactical Development: The team’s ability to rebound from a loss and respond with a late triumph demonstrates tactical maturity.
Tournament Aspirations: With this victory, India has increased its chances of moving on in the tournament.
What’s Next?
The Indian U20 women’s squad will now focus on their next group-stage match, where they want to improve on their strong start. The coaching staff will focus on improving defensive organization and offensive transitions in preparation for better opponents. The Pink Ladies U20 Youth Cup provides a valuable opportunity for young Indian players to obtain international experience and showcase their talent on a global scale. If they keep winning, they might become formidable title candidates.
“India U20 women’s team starts strong in the Pink Ladies U20 Youth Cup, defeating Jordan 2-1 with goals from Lhingdeikim and Pooja in a thrilling match”.
