SAFF U-15 Women's Championship: India seal semi-final spot

The Indian U-15 women’s team progressed to the semi-finals of the SAFF U-15 Championship after defeating hosts Bhutan 1-0 at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu, Bhutan,

Shilky Devi’s 58th minute strike proved to be the difference between the two teams in a tightly contested match. Having won both of its group stage matches, the Indian team is now on top of Group A.

The semi-finals of the SAFF U-15 Championship are slated to kick-off on August 16, 2018 and the Indian Women will face either Nepal or Bangladesh in the clash.

India began the game on the backfoot with Bhuta dominating possession in the early minutes of the match. However, the Indian Eves start grow into the game as the progressed, with the first chance coming in the 13th minute. Kiran, who had found herself unmarked in the attacking third failed to provide the finishing touch.

India's second chance through Sunita Munda, who found Kritina Devi on the flanks after some crafty work. Her 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 came close to scoring as they caught the Indian defense napping, only to strike the side netting. Bhutan were left to rue their missed chances as it further compounded their finishing problems in front of goal.

India continued to press the opponents as Shiky Devi’s volley from inside the box in the 41st minute looped inches over the bar. A stalemate ensued at half-time meant both teams went into the tunnel on level pegging.

The best chance of the game came through Avika Singh’s effort from distance that rattled the crossbar in the 55th minute. As the game passed, the Women in Blue started to look more confident on the ball and a goal looked almost certain.

India's persistent attacks reaped reward as Shilky Singh's netted a well-composed strike to give India the breakthrough in the 58th minute.The Indians looked to double their advantage but goalscorer Shilky Singh was unsuccessful in their attempt.

The Indian defense were kept on their toes as Bhutan commited bodies in attack to search for the equaliser. but the Indian defence were up to the task as they held on to register a 1-0 win over the host.