Indian Sports Report, April 14: Russia passes India in the U-17 women’s friendly

Football

The Indian women’s under-17 team loses 0-3 to Russia in a friendly match

The Indian women’s under-17 team suffered a 0-3 defeat to Russia in the second of the three friendlies in Sochi on Tuesday.

Valeria Menyailova struck twice early in the second half (49th, 52nd) after Sofia Svyatnaya (18th) had opened the scoring.

The Young Tigresses, coached by Italy’s Pamela Conti, will use these matches to prepare for next month’s important AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup in China.

Russia started ahead and almost took the lead in the second minute. Played through inside the penalty area, Menyailova showed neat footwork to get past Divyani Linda, but her close-range effort was denied by a sharp save from goalkeeper Munni.

However, India needed time to settle into the match. The first shot on target came in the 13th minute when Valaina Fernandes tried her luck from distance, but the shot was comfortably collected by goalkeeper Emelianova Anastasiya.

Despite India’s growing involvement, Russia broke the deadlock in the 18th minute with an unfortunate mistake. Sofia Svyatnaya floated in a free-kick from the left that should have been a routine shot for Munni, but the goalkeeper misjudged the flight, causing the ball to skid and roll over the line.

The setback sparked a response from the Young Tigresses, who began moving higher up the pitch and creating openings. Their best chance of the half came in the 32nd minute when Valaina skipped past her marker and aimed a curling effort towards the far corner.

However, Emelianova reacted quickly by diving and parrying the ball clear, preserving Russia’s lead going into halftime.

India’s hopes of a comeback were dented early in the second half after a defensive error. In the 49th minute, a series of poor backpasses proved costly. Ritu Badaik initiated the action under pressure, and captain Elizabed Lakra’s attempt to clear the place only made matters worse. Menyailova capitalized, intercepting the loose ball before rounding Munni and finishing calmly to double Russia’s lead.

The hosts extended their lead shortly afterwards with a well-executed move in the 52nd minute. Mira Kuznetsova delivered an accurate through ball to Menyailova, who made no mistake in front of the goal and made it 3-0 with a powerful right foot.

India had lost 0-4 in the first match against Russia three days ago. The two teams will meet again in the friendly final on April 17.

-PTI

Published on April 14, 2026