KOLKATA: Undaunted by their loss to Bangladesh two days back or motivated by the humiliation, the Indian U16 women's team got their act together and subjected Nepal to one of their worst defeats.
It was complete dominance by Biby Thomas' wards at ANFA Stadium in Lalitpur, near Kathmandu, as they booked their berth in the final of SAFF U16 Women's Championship with a 10-0 rout of Nepal on Thursday. The win ensured an encore of their clash against round-robin group toppers Bangladesh and another date in the traditional women's football rivalry in the region.
Thomas' squad selection paid off from as early as the second minute as his choice of Anita Dungdung (2') on the right wing for the game earned India the opener, albeit courtesy some horrible defending by the hosts.
The young Tigresses' desperation was evident as they took the match away from Nepal in the opening 25 minutes and ended the first half with a 6-0 lead that included Pearl Fernandez (14', 43') completing her brace and India's top scorer so far Anushka Kumari (22') taking her tournament tally to five goals.
The half also saw Thomas handing 12-year-old Gurleen Kaur (32', 77') her international debut and the Punjab girl returned her coach's faith with a brace in her first match in Indian colours. Bonifilia Shullai (25') was the other player to find the target for India in the first 45 minutes.
Meanwhile, the second half began with an own goal from Min Maya Shrestha (46'). Besides that, Gurnaz Kaur (58') and Rheanna Liz Jacob (79') added to the scoresheet for India.
Nepal struggled to take the match to the Indian half for most of the game, as another Indian debutant Munni, under the bar, as well her teammates in defence, could not get much match practice ahead of the crucial clash against Bangladesh.
