Blue Tigresses aim to bounce back against Russia after 0-4 loss

Hyderabad: Following their 0-4 defeat in the opening friendly, the Blue Tigresses will look to improve when they face Russia again on Sunday at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan.

The match will kick off at 6 pm IST and will be streamed live on the Indian Football YouTube channel.

Thursday’s match marked the Indian women’s national team’s first-ever international fixture in Kolkata. The Blue Tigresses matched the visitors for much of the first half before Russia eventually pulled ahead.

Despite the result, India defender Juli Kishan, who played the entire 90 minutes in the first of the two friendlies, identified the first-half chances created by Malavika O, Lynda Kom Serto, Sanfida Nongrum and Juli herself as one of the major positives from the opening match.

“From the last game, we learned that in the first half we created a few chances early on but could not finish them. In the next match, that is exactly what we want to work on and focus on finishing,” said Juli.

Midfielder Babysana Devi Thingbaijam echoed Juli’s assessment, stressing the need for sharper execution.

“We will try to learn from the things that did not go our way and improve in the next game,” Babysana said.

The 25-year-old Manipuri was one of six players to make their senior international debuts on Thursday, alongside Malati Munda, Dhurga Perumal, Cindy Colney, Sibani Devi Nongmeikpam and Shubangi Singh.

Reflecting on her first senior-team appearance, Babysana spoke of the nerves and pride she felt when she was named in the starting XI.

“I was a little nervous when I got to know I’ll be in the playing eleven, but it also felt very good. Getting the opportunity to play, wearing the India jersey and stepping onto the field gave me a very proud feeling,” said Babysana.

Beyond the adrenaline rush of her first senior national-team appearance, the debutant acknowledged that there was room for improvement.

“I learned a lot from my first match. There were a few passes where I could have done better. If I get the opportunity in the next match, I want to be more accurate, work on my runs and contribute more to the team,” she said.

The Blue Tigresses’ return to international action comes three months after India’s impressive run in the SAFF Women’s Championship under head coach Crispin Chettri. The inclusion of younger players is central to the team’s ongoing development and the coaching staff’s long-term strategy.

Acknowledging the scoreline, Chettri underlined the level of performance India are striving to achieve.

“A 0-4 loss is not acceptable to anyone, not to me, the players or the fans. I take full responsibility for it. The standard Russia showed is what we strive for and are working towards,” he said.