Shillong, Feb 5 (IANS) The Indian women’s senior football team was held to a goalless draw by the Maldives in their first match of the 12th South Asian Games (SAG) at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here on Friday.
India attacked right from the beginning but missed several scoring chances to settle for the draw.
“In football it is all about taking your opportunities and we did not take them today,” India’s head coach Sajid Dar said after the match.
“You have to score in order to win and today’s draw points us straight to the drawing board to rectify our errors in front of goal,” he added.
India got their first opportunity in the 4th minute as Kamala Devi, after a glitzy passing move with Sasmita Malik on the left flank, teed up on rushing Premi Devi, who could only unleash a lacklustre shot.
Four minute later, Sasmita Malik released Bembem Devi onto goal with an accurate through ball, but the latter could only hammer the side-netting.
India piled on the pressure. Premi Devi failed to convert her chance from inside the box after Sasmita Malik unleashed an accurate cross for her in the 20th.
Prameshwori Devi had the best of the first half as she wriggled her way past the Maldivian defence, only to scoop her shot wide in the 36th.
The action, even in the second half was restricted in the Maldivian half. The Indians dominated possession, launched attacks at will, but were left frustrated for their profligacy.
India will next clash against Sri Lanka on February 9.