Turkish Women's Cup: Indian Women's Football team finish runners up despite valiant efforts

Indian women's football team put up a spirited display in their crucial round-robin match against Kosovo at the Gold City Complex in Alanya, Turkey on February 27, 2024. Despite their best efforts, the Blue Tigresses eventually succumbed to a late goal in injury time, losing the match by 1-0. The result meant that Kosovo won their second consecutive title, while India finished as runners-up, their best performance in the Turkish Women's Cup across three appearances.

India made a solitary change to their starting XI, with Sangita Basfore replacing Karthika Angamuthu in midfield to provide added stability. The team adopted a strategic approach, with a focus on maintaining their defensive shape while selectively pressing high to disrupt Kosovo's buildup play.

In the first half, the Blue Tigresses focused on keeping their shape and containing Kosovo. Although the battle was far from the Indian box, India imposed a high press on the Kosovo back-four at certain moments in the game, confusing the opposition defence and leading to several chances.

Soumya Guguloth had the best chance of the first half and maybe even the game at the quarter-hour mark. Pyari Xaxa managed to steal the ball at the edge of the Kosovo box and played it to Indumathi Kathiresan, who passed a delicate through ball between the lines to Soumya behind the defence. But, the India winger failed to score from inside the six-yard box, side-footing the ball straight at the Kosovo keeper Djellza Mehmeti.

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India's ploy to pressurize the Kosovo defence paid off with Pyari, the striker, being the primary workhorse. She intercepted the ball crucially at the edge of the area in the 38th minute, which led to a foul from Donjeta Halilaj. Manisha took the resulting free-kick, curling it around the wall with the ball heading towards the far post. However, Mehmeti produced a diving save to keep it out.

Manisha had another chance when she ran down the left and attempted a shot across the face of the goal, which was saved by the keeper. Her shot from the ensuing rebound went wide, just seconds before the half-time whistle.

The second half was even more competitive. Kosovo focused on pressing higher up the pitch, which often left Indian fullbacks isolated when the ball was played out to them. Soumya had a chance to score when Manisha delivered a long cross, but she missed the target. This was because all the Kosovo defenders were drawn towards the near post, leaving Soumya with a clear shot, but she failed to execute her attempted volley.

Kosovo grew in confidence as the match progressed, exerting control in midfield and limiting India to sporadic counterattacks. Despite goalkeeper Panthoi Chanu's heroic efforts, Kosovo's Erëleta Memeti found the back of the net in injury time, securing the victory for her side.

The loss was undoubtedly a disappointment for India, but the team can take heart from their commendable determination and tactical acumen throughout the tournament. Despite finishing as runners-up, the Blue Tigresses can be proud of their performance and will undoubtedly look to build on their success in future international competitions.

Manisha Kalyan won the best midfielder of the tournament award.