India’s senior women’s football team battled to a 1-1 draw against Myanmar in their second and final friendly match at the Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon on Friday, July 12, 2024. Despite a significant improvement from their 1-2 defeat on Tuesday, the Blue Tigresses were held back by a stubborn Myanmar defense and a waterlogged pitch.
The first half saw India dominate possession and create numerous chances, with the rain-lashed conditions adding another layer of difficulty. A dinked ball from Soumya Guguloth nearly found an outstretched Anju Tamang, while Sangita Basfore was denied by a puddle of water in the box. Pyari Xaxa had the best opportunity of the half, going clean through on goal but being thwarted by the goalkeeper. India continued to press, with Soumya hitting the wall with a free-kick attempt.
As the rain eased, the game became more fluid. India missed two golden chances around the half-hour mark, with Karishma Shirvoikar firing wide and Pyari heading a cross off target. Elangbam Panthoi Chanu, India’s goalkeeper, was tested for the first time in the 34th minute, saving a long-range shot from Khin Mar Lar Tun.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 48th minute when Pyari Xaxa scored her second goal in as many games. The Odisha FC striker capitalised on a long clearance from Panthoi, wrestling past Lin Lae Oo and squeezing a shot past Myo Mya Mya Nyein. However, the joy was short-lived as Myanmar equalized just two minutes later through their prolific striker Win Theingi Tun. She finished with a first-time shot from the far post after a cross from Yoon Wady Hlaing.
The second half was a tense affair, with both teams searching for the winning goal. Naorem Priyangka Devi’s half-volley narrowly missed the target, while the Indian players appealed for a handball in the box from Yoon Wady Hlaing that was ultimately ignored by the referee. Myanmar had a golden opportunity in the 61st minute but were denied by Loitongbam Ashalata Devi’s brave headed clearance off the goal line.
The final ten minutes were frenetic, with both goalkeepers making crucial saves. In the 82nd minute, Soumya’s free-kick hit the wall, and Ashalata’s rebound was saved. Five minutes later, Anju’s pass found Soumya in the box, but she couldn’t control the ball. Panthoi made two crucial saves deep in injury time, denying Win Theingi Tun and a swerving free-kick. India had one last chance in the 94th minute when a loose ball fell to Sangita Basfore, but she skyed her shot.
Despite their dominance in the first half, India had to settle for a draw. The match provided valuable experience for the team as they prepare for upcoming challenges. Nineteen-year-old Mousumi Murmu made her senior India debut during the match, adding another promising talent to the squad.
