A chastening defeat for women
Gauging the improvement of neighbouring India and Nepal was one of Bangladesh's aims in the first round of Women's Olympic Qualifiers, and what Bangladesh team experienced in a 7-1 defeat against India at the Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon yesterday would perhaps leave them with lots of reasons to be apprehensive.
The 7-1 defeat against India following on the 5-0 defeat against hosts Myanmar has extinguished Bangladesh's hopes of qualifying for the second round of the qualifiers. More than the qualification, though, it was the margin of defeat which should be really worrying for the Bangladesh team as they had previously held India to a 0-0 draw in group-stage match before losing 3-1 in the final of SAFF Women's Championship two years ago.
The charges of Golam Rabbani Choton had promised to give India tough time, but instead they were helpless on the pitch against the Indians, who turned the match into a one-sided affair.
Veteran strikers Bala Devi and Kamala Devi were deadly upfront as Bala slotted four goals while Kamala scored twice including the opening one. Sanju Yadav scored the other while Krishna Rani Sarker netted a consolation goal for Bangladesh, who trailed the first half 3-0.
Bangladesh coach Choton was critical of his charges after the heavy defeat. “Our team was overwhelmed with India's physical capability and control of the game during the important moments. Our young players must learn to avoid unnecessary mistakes at this level.”
“I urge all to be patient with our players. We will continue to work with them and make sure we make those important steps forward,” Choton added.
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