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India U17 Women's Team Falls 0-4 to Russia in Sochi Friendly

The Indian U17 women's football team suffered a 4-0 defeat against Russia in the first of three friendly matches in Sochi. Goals from Valeria Menyailova, Dana Dobrovitskaya, Alisa Klimova, and Angelina Gulyayeva sealed the win for the hosts. Despite the scoreline, India created chances with Redima Devi Chingkhamayum hitting the crossbar and forcing a brilliant save earlier. The team, coached by Pamela Conti, is using these matches as crucial preparation for the upcoming AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup.

Key Points: India U17 Women Lose 0-4 to Russia in Friendly

  • Russia scored 4 goals
  • India conceded two penalties
  • Redima Devi hit the crossbar
  • Matches prep for AFC Asian Cup
3 min read

India U17 women go down to Russia in first Sochi friendly

Indian U17 women's football team lost 0-4 to Russia in a friendly. Read match highlights, key players, and preparation for AFC Asian Cup.

"The Young Tigresses... are using these matches to prepare for next month's all-important AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup China 2026. - AIFF Release"

New Delhi, April 11

The Indian U17 women's team lost 0-4 to Russia in the first of three friendly matches at the Matsesta Football Centre in Sochi, Russia, on Saturday.

According to the All India Football Federation (AIFF) release, Valeria Menyailova put the hosts ahead in the 44th minute. Dana Dobrovitskaya and Alisa Klimova converted penalties in the 57th and 72nd minutes, respectively, before Angelina Gulyayeva rounded off the scoring in the 88th.

The Young Tigresses, coached by Italian Pamela Conti, are using these matches to prepare for next month's all-important AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup China 2026.

India started brightly, looking more eager on the ball, while the hosts remained cautious. Redima Devi Chingkhamayum almost opened the scoring midway through the first half when she struck from 20 yards, but it was prevented from going into the bottom corner by a brilliant save from goalkeeper Daria Volodicheva.

Russia opened their tally in the 44th minute when Polina Frolova dispossessed Elizabed Lakra on the left flank and pushed forward to Valeria Menyailova, who beat goalkeeper Munni with a crisp finish low at the near post.

As the Indians worked hard and did a lot of running to check the Russian moves and build up their own, Redima, skipper Bonfilia Shullai and Alva Devi Senjam excelled and pieced together a number of moves down the left corridor. But their final shots or crosses lacked the sting to cause any problems.

The Indians kept up the fight early in the second half, but conceded a penalty soon. Divyani Linda, Elizabed and Abhista Basnett all rushed in to check Dana Dobrovitskaya inside the box, and the Russian striker fell in a heap. The referee pointed to the spot, and Dana made no mistake, placing low to Munni's left in the 57th minute. Soon after, Alisa Klimova, after being tripped by Abhista, converted another penalty to make it 3-0.

Substitute Anwita Raghuraman all but pulled one back for India when she tackled the Russian goalkeeper Voldicheva. The ball lobbed backwards and Anwita headed it towards the goal but Emelianova prevented it on the line. Redima then shook the crossbar from afar before the hosts bundled away the rebound to keep their clean sheet.

Russia made it 4-0 two minutes before close as Angelina Gulyayeva got to a lob from Kuznetsova and rifled in a firm right-footer into the far post.

India and Russia will play two more friendlies on April 14 and 17. The matches will be streamed live on the Indian Football YouTube channel.

India U17 Women: Munni (GK), Elizabed Lakra, Divyani Linda, Anushka Kumari (Julan Nongmaithem 46'), Ritu Badaik, Pritika Barman (Valaina Fernandes 85'), Redima Devi Chingkhamayum, Abhista Basnett, Alva Devi Senjam (Thandamoni Baskey 85'), Joya (Anwita Raghuraman 70'), Bonifilia Shullai (C) (Pearl Fernandes 70').

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
Conceding two penalties is a concern. Our defense needs to be smarter in the box. But kudos to the team for not giving up and creating chances. Anwita Raghuraman's effort was so close! Let's learn from this and come back stronger in the next friendly.
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Aman W
The scoreline doesn't tell the full story. We started brightly and had our moments. The final touch in attack let us down. More practice on finishing, and we can convert these chances. Proud of the girls for holding their own in Russia! 💪
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Sarah B
Respectful criticism: The article mentions a lot of "running" and "hard work," but at this level, tactical discipline is key. Getting dispossessed leading to a goal and giving away two penalties shows a gap in game management. Coach Conti has work to do, but the spirit is there.
V
Vikram M
Great to see women's football getting this kind of coverage! Win or lose, these matches are a big step. Hope the federation continues to invest in these girls. Will definitely tune in for the next match on YouTube.
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Kavya N
Heartbreaking to see the score, but so proud of Redima, Bonfilia, and Alva for their performances! Coming from the Northeast and other states, these girls are real fighters. The future is bright. Don't lose heart, team! 🧡

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