The Indian U-15 women’s team progressed to the semi-finals of the Saff Championships after defeating hosts Bhutan 1-0 at the Changlimithang Stadium at Thimphu on Monday.
Shilky Devi’s 58th minute strike proved to be the difference between the two teams in a tightly contested match, in which India rattled the bar twice. The semi-finals of the championship are slated to kick off on Thursday, and India will face either Nepal or Bangladesh.
Even though Bhutan dominated possession in the early stages, the Indian women had an excellent opportunity to go ahead against the run of play in the 13th minute. Kiran, though, failed to make the most of her chance from inside the box.
In the 31st minute, India rattled the woodwork after Sunita Munda found Kritina Devi on the flank. Kritina’s first-time effort from long range hit the bar and came back into play, only for her to shoot wide off the resulting ball.
Five minutes later, Bhutan caught the Indian defence napping and hit the side-netting from inside the box to give the visitors a scare. Shilky Devi’s volley from inside the box in the 41st minute went inches over the bar as India continued to press.
In the 55th minute, Avika Singh came close with an effort from distance, clipping the crossbar but three minutes later, Shilky Devi easily found the back of the net from inside the box.
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