India Women's Team Succumbs to FC Metalist 1925 in Turkey Friendly

The Indian senior women's team faced a 0-2 defeat against Ukrainian club FC Metalist 1925 Kharkiv in a friendly match in Turkiye. Goals by Lydia Zaborovets and Lesia Olkhova sealed the win for the Ukrainians. India will next play against Swiss teams FC Zurich Frauen and FC Schlieren.

In a challenging friendly match at the Emirhan Sport Centre in Manavgat, Turkiye, the Indian senior women's football team fell 0-2 to Ukrainian club FC Metalist 1925 Kharkiv on Sunday. The Ukrainian side, a record 10-time champion of their Women's Top League, capitalized in the second half with goals from Lydia Zaborovets in the 60th minute and Lesia Olkhova during injury time.

This encounter marks the beginning of India's preparatory matches for the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026. The team next faces Swiss contenders FC Zurich Frauen and FC Schlieren. India's previous encounter against a Ukrainian national team ended in a narrow 3-2 loss, with Pyari Xaxa and Manisha Kalyan having scored.

Despite a spirited start, with warm play from wings Rimpa Haldar and Jasoda Munda, India couldn't convert their early momentum into goals. The opposition's defense neutralized India's forward advances effortlessly. Indian goalkeeper Panthoi Chanu Elangbam kept her side in contention during the first half with noteworthy saves, especially against efforts from Metalist 1925's determined forwards.

India's search for an equalizer continued with intensified attacks in the second half, supported by substitutes Grace Dangmei and Karishma Shirvoikar. Nevertheless, Metalist 1925 capitalized on a penalty after a handball incident, turning it into the first goal. In the later stages, Karishma's commendable shot from distance was skillfully saved by the Ukrainian goalkeeper, further consolidating the imposing defense India faced.

The final blow came as Olkhova sealed the win predicated on a neatly executed free-kick maneuver. Despite the defeat, India's aspirations remain unshaken as they pivot focus to forthcoming fixtures on their road to the 2026 continental showdown.

(With inputs from agencies.)