India, Japan record big victories
After a disappointing start, hosts India played a positive game to blank Guam 6-0 and register
their first victory in the Asian Football Confederation Under-19 women's championship in Margao, Goa, on Sunday.
Earlier, Japan whpped Korea Republic 7-0 to score their
second win and move to the top of the table with six points.
Determined to collect full points, India played an
attacking game and dominated the Group 'A' league match
throughout but could not get an early goal as they found stiff
resistance from rival 'keeper Ana Dee Garcia.
India shot into the lead with a minute left for the
interval through substitute Blanka Barretto, whose 20-yard shot,
off a pass from Kiranmala Devi, found the net.
The hosts continued to hold midfield superiority after the
break and increased the lead in the 54th minute. Defender
Maynol Rocky floated the ball into the goalmouth for Ibempishak Devi to put the ball in.
India maintained the pressure and probed into the rival half
with ease and made it 3-0 through Maynol Rocky, whose rasping
shot gave the Guam keeper no chance to react.
Rehana Kahtun then consolidated the lead when she
connected a crisp cross from Tongam Kiranmala Devi from the
right.
The hosts, who were all over into the rival box, added
two more goals in a span of two minutes through Geeta Rani to
complete the Guam rout.
In the earlier match, strong contenders Japan trounced
the Korean Republic 7-0 to move to the top of the table and
virtually qualify for the next round.
The Japanese girls, who led 2-0 at half time, dominated the
game throughout and scored through a brace by substitute
Shinobu Ohno (51st, 87th) and a goal each from Aya Miyama
(6th), Kanako Ito (25th), Ayako Kitamoto (74th), Kana Watanabe
(79th) and Karina Maruyama (81st).
Trailing Japan on the points table are India and Korea
Republic with three points each while Guam, who have lost
both their matches, are yet to open their account.
Earlier reports
China, Korea score thumping victories
South Korea too good for India; Japan whip Guam
