Indian eves clinch second straight victory against Hong Kong

Indian women's football team completed back-to-back victories over Hong Kong as they thrashed the hosts 1-0 in a tightly-fought match on Wednesday.

The only goal of the game was scored by midfielder Indumathi Kathiresan, as the Indian eves now set off for Indonesia for a couple of more preparatory friendlies.

 India got off to a good start as forward player Dangmei Grace, combined with Indumathi and Anju Tamang to produce swift attacks, while the home side depended on set-pieces in an effort to inflict damage on the Indians.

Coach Maymol Rocky's team earned a free-kick from just outside the 18-yard box on the 17th minute, but Ratanbala Devi's shot was well negotiated by the Hong Kong defence.

Hong Kong goalkeeper Yuen Ki NG was on top form in this match, as she made save after save on both sides of the half-time whistle, to deny India the lead. However, substitution on the stroke of half-time seemed to do the trick for the Indian girls. Pyari Xaxa's introduction after the changeover completely changed the tempo of the game, as India launched on a flurry of attacks.

Yuen Ki NG made as many as six saves after half-time before Xaxa was finally able to unlock the Hong Kong defence on the 68th minute, setting Indumathi through with a delicate pass, which the latter put into the back of the net with great aplomb.

Unfortunately, Xaxa hobbled off with an injury in the dying moments of the match and had to be replaced by Sandhiya Ranganathan.

The women's team is now set to travel to Indonesia, where they will face off against the Indonesia women's national team on January 27 and 30.

India are playing four Friendlies - two against Hong Kong in Hong Kong, followed by two against Indonesia in Indonesia. The matches have been organised to help the team prepare in the best shape for the forthcoming Tokyo 2020 Olympic Qualifiers Round 2.

-ANI