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After losing 0-2 against Philippines in their opening encounter, the India Under-16 Women’s National Team will rally morale and clash swords against Malaysia in their second match of the AFC U-16 Qualifiers tomorrow looking for a win. The kick-off for which is at 1:30pm IST.
Despite dominating much of the ninety minutes and fostering as many as five clear opportunities, the Indian Girls were left addled as failure to convert chances cost India the match. Against Malaysia, the Indian U-16 squad, consisting of six forwards, will be once again tested for their dexterity infront of goal.
“You have to score goals in Football in order to win. If you don’t score goals, you cannot win, despite creating maximum number of goal scoring opportunities”, Head Coach Maymol Rocky said reflecting on the loss.
“The Girls played good Football against Philippines, but were not clinical infront of goal.”
“We have to be clinical infront of goal if we are to win the clash against Malaysia”, Maymol informed.
While the Indian girls had three-day break after their fixture against Philippines, Malaysia played two matches in as many days – winning 2-1 against Northern Mariana Islands and losing 0-13 against South Korea.
“There will certainly be a slight psychological advantage as they (Malaysia) lost by a big margin”, Maymol stated referring to Malaysia’s 0-13 loss on Tuesday, August 30.
“However we cannot underestimate them as they (Malaysia) had shown their fighting attitude against Northern Mariana Islands.”
Malaysia came back from a goal down to clinch their tie 2-1 against Northern Mariana Islands.
The Indian forwards are vigorously honing their finishing skills in the practice sessions and one can hear the Head Coach’s loud voice whenever a forward fails to tap the ball home.
“We lost the match against Philippines because we did not take our chances, despite dominating for most of the match.”
“We do not want to commit the same mistake against Malaysia.”
When inquired about what India’s game-plan will be for September 1, Maymol quipped, “We have to score as many goals as we can.”
“It is not about outscoring our opponents, but majorly about taking our chances.”
Captain Shanti Murmu further dubs the clash against Malaysia as ‘do or die’. “We desperately wanted to win the match against Philippines as it would have boosted our morale.”
“Against Malaysia, it will be a do or die clash for us. We have to dig deep within ourselves and give it our all on the pitch,” she adds.
by AIFF Media
