In an electrifying display of determination and skill, India U20 Women’s team staged a remarkable second-half comeback to defeat Jordan 2-1 in the Pink Ladies U20 Youth Cup at the Emirhan Sport Center in Manavgat, Turkey, on Wednesday, February 19, 2025.
The Young Tigresses, despite trailing by a penalty at halftime, showcased resilience and tactical brilliance to turn the game in their favor with decisive strikes from Lhingdeikim and Pooja.
From the outset, coach Joakim Alexanderssons philosophy was clear dominate possession, press high, and deny the opposition time and space to build their play.
This strategy was evident as the Indian side created numerous chances in the early minutes. Lhingdeikim nearly set the tone in the second minute by launching India’s first shot on target, only to see her effort comfortably gathered by the Jordanian goalkeeper.
The flanks were buzzing with activity too, as Neha and Pooja repeatedly troubled the full-backs with incisive runs and dangerous crosses. An early attempt by Babita Kumari, after receiving a teasing delivery from Lhingdeikim, narrowly missed the target, leaving the Indian supporters eager for more.
The first half, however, did not yield any goals for India. In the 10th minute, Babita had a golden opportunity to put her team ahead. She surged forward from deep in midfield, created a one-on-one situation with the Jordanian keeper, Sajida Issa, but saw her right-footed shot well saved. Despite these near misses, India maintained their high press and kept the pressure on Jordan throughout the first half.
The turning point came just before halftime when, in the 35th minute, a momentary lapse cost the Tigresses dearly. In a controversial decision, a penalty was awarded to Jordan after India’s goalkeeper, Monalisha Devi, inadvertently pushed an opposition player in the box.
Jinan Said stepped up and confidently converted from 12 yards, giving Jordan a 1-0 lead as teams headed into the break.
Emerging from halftime with renewed vigor, India’s tactical adjustments and fresh energy began to show. The second half started with heightened intensity. Lhingdeikim, who had already impressed with four goals on her international debut last month, was determined to make an impact. In the 49th minute, she carved out space on the edge of the box and attempted a curling shot, only to have her effort once again thwarted by Issa.
The persistent pressure paid off when, in the 63rd minute, Lhingdeikim finally broke the deadlock. Picking up the ball outside the box, she outmaneuvered two defenders and unleashed a curling shot from 10 yards that nestled into the bottom corner of the net an equalizer that injected life back into the match.
The momentum shift was palpable. Coach Alexandersson’s strategic substitutions bringing in Cindy Colney and Sibani Devi further accelerated India’s attacking play.
Sibani’s blistering pace on the right flank proved to be a game-changer. In the 77th minute, she made a surging run down the wing and delivered an inch-perfect cutback. Seizing the moment, a poised Pooja converted with a first-time, right-footed strike from a narrow angle, sending the ball into the far corner and sealing a memorable 2-1 victory for India.
Even as the match entered its final minutes, India continued to press for a third goal, though Jordan’s defense held firm. A late chance for Neha, set up by substitute Monisha Singha from outside the six-yard box, saw her shot go over the bar, marking the end of a spirited contest.
This win not only highlights the fighting spirit and tactical acumen of India’s U20 Women but also sets them up favorably as they prepare for upcoming friendlies against Hong Kong on February 22 and Russia on February 25, both at the same venue.
With coach Alexandersson now recording his third consecutive win across national teams, the future indeed looks bright for the Young Tigresses as they continue their ascent in international women’s football.
