India crosses 260-mark as women's football team bag third successive gold
Another gold medal has been added to the Indian contingent's name after the women's football team won its third consecutive gold at the 13th South Asian Games after beating hosts Nepal by 2-0 on Monday (December 9).
Another gold medal has been added to the Indian contingent’s name after the women’s football team won its third consecutive gold at the 13th South Asian Games after beating hosts Nepal by 2-0 on Monday (December 9).
Bala Devi, who emerged as the top-scorer of the tournament, became the star of the show again after scoring a on either side of the half-time to guide the visitors to a comfortable win over the home side in the finals in Pokhara.
The 29-year-old netted five goals in four matches including two in the summit clash.
This win has officially increased the India’s medal tally to 264 medals on day 8.
#SAG2019 – #India crosses 260 mark with 138 Gold🥇, 83 Silver🥈 & 43 Bronze 🥉.
Latest medals in –
Men's
3*3 Basketball – Gold
Boxing (64kg) – SilverWomen's
3*3 Basketball – Gold
Football- Gold
Boxing (48kg) – Gold, (54kg) – Silver
Swimming (100m) – Silver & Bronze https://t.co/lYWKOdnwz0 pic.twitter.com/ZmrA1uEqVO— SAI Media (@Media_SAI) December 9, 2019
India went on the offensive from the very start, as the likes of Sangita Basfore and Ratanbala Devi dominated proceedings from the middle of the park.
Ratanbala fetched the first clear-cut chance for India as she connected a Ranjana Chanu cross but her shot flew over the crossbar.
Also read: South Asian Games: India clinches 41 medals on Day 5, widens gap with rivals
India goalkeeper Aditi Chauhan, who has had a fantastic tournament by not conceding a single goal in five matches, turned provider when she found Bala, with a long ball upfield. The mercurial striker duly converted the chance to give India the lead in the 18th minute.
India had another chance around the half-hour mark, when a Ranjana corner was headed down by captain Ashalata Devi towards Sandhiya, but the latter was flagged offside.
Aditi made a couple of impressive saves on either side of the half-time break to keep India in the lead.
Head coach Maymol Rocky soon brought on Manisha in place of Sandhiya, and the move had instant impact.
An intricate move was converted into a chance by Ratanbala, who played Bala through on goal. Bala finished off the chance to score her second goal of the match in the 56th minute.
The Indians kept dominating the game even after taking the 2-0 lead and the Nepalese were unable to create chances.
(With inputs from agencies)
