Indian football eves lose 0-3 to Shanghai team in friendly

The Asian Games bound India women's football team today lost 0-3 to club side Century Park FC in their first practice match in Shanghai, China.
India conceded on both sides of halftime with their best chance coming in the second period when just-appointed captain Bembem Devi failed to convert from the penalty spot.
India took time to adjust to the conditions at the Century Park stadium in Shanghai.
The hosts, a mixed bag of U-16 and U-18 girls and boys - mostly European - training at the Park facilities, took advantage of their counterparts' initial jitteriness to surge ahead in the 20th minute when a well taken free kick flew past goalkeeper Aditi Chauhan and into the top right corner of the Indian post.

Stung by the early goal, the twice SAFF champions pressed the accelerator. Striker Bala Devi missed a great chance when she shot over from Sasmita Malik's in swinging cross from the right.
Moments later Bala missed again from close, this time dragging her effort wide after good work down the middle by Bembem and Premi Devi.

Changing over, India had their best chance to draw level. Winger Kamala Devi cut inside two markers to dart inside the box only to be brought down by the last stopper back. The referee pointed to the spot but Bembem uncharacteristically put her effort over the frame.

The hosts doubled their tally against the run of play with India on the prowl. A swift counter attacking down the left channel provided the second goal for the Shanghai outfit.
India refused to throw in the towel as coach Tarun Roy made most of the endless number of substitutions' rule in friendlies, ringing in a host of changes.
But best efforts fell flat as they went further down with 10 minutes to go.
Custodian Aditi's double save to deny the rival striker from appetizing angles went up in smoke as on the second rebound the ball was poked home mercilessly.

India next play Shanghai SVT on September 2.