The Blue Tigresses, led by veteran Ashalata Devi, added a new chapter to the annals of Indian football on Wednesday. Striker Manisha Kalyan scored a brace as India began their Turkish Women’s Cup campaign with a hard-fought 4-3 win over Estonia, thus becoming the first Indian women’s side to beat a European country at the senior level in an official outing. The teams were locked 1-1 at half time.
Before Wednesday’s match, India women’s team had faced teams from the UEFA confederation three times. While India had lost to Romania [3-0] and Ukraine [2-3] in the previous editions of the Turkish Women’s Cup, they were beaten 1-2 by Belarus in a friendly in 2021.
Manisha struck in the 17th and 81st minutes while Indumathi Kathiresan [62’], and Pyari Xaxa [79’] scored the other goals for India.
Lisette Tammik [32’], Vlada Kubassova [88’] and Mari Liis Lilemae [90’] found the target for Estonia.
Played at the picturesque Gold City Sports Complex, the Blue Tigresses made a perfect start when they shot into the lead through a Manisha goal.
After Estonia drew level off a strike by Lisette Tammik, a rampaging India struck thrice thought Indumathi, Xaxa and Manisha to take a commanding 4-1 lead.
Just as it appeared that the Indian women were on their way to a resounding victory, Estonia made a last-ditch effort to rescue something from the contest when Kubassova and Lillemae scored in a span of two minutes. The Indian defence, however, held their nerve to clinch the deal.
It was also a perfect start for new coach and former India international Chaoba Devi, who replaced Thomas Dennerby last month.