India U17 Women Suffer 0-3 Loss To Russia In Friendly Ahead Of AFC Cupnewsline24

India U17 women lost 0-3 to Russia in Sochi. The second friendly took place at Matsesta Football Center on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. Russia scored once in the first half and twice after half-time. India had lost 0-4 in the first match three days earlier.

Scoreline and key match details

All three Russian goals came from early pressure and Indian errors. Sofia Svyatnaya scored in the 18th minute from a free-kick. Valeria Menyailova then struck in the 49th and 52nd minutes. Both teams meet again on April 17 for the final friendly.

Preparation for AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup

The Young Tigresses are preparing for the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2026. Italian coach Pamela Conti is using the three games for assessment. Russia’s squad was fully born in 2009. India’s starting XI mixed four from 2009, three from 2010, and four from 2011.

Russia press early; India settle later

Russia started fast and almost scored in the second minute. Menyailova beat Divyani Linda but Munni saved well. The winger tested Munni again in the 10th minute. India’s first shot on target came in the 13th minute from Valaina Fernandes, gathered by goalkeeper Emelianova Anastasiya.

Debut and first-half turning point

One minute later, Valaina set up Olivia Chanu Ningthoujam. Olivia’s effort tested Emelianova again on her youth international debut. Russia took the lead in the 18th minute. Svyatnaya’s free-kick from the left was misjudged by Munni and crossed the line.

India threaten before half-time

The goal pushed India to advance higher and press Russia. Their best chance came in the 32nd minute. Valaina dribbled past her marker and curled a shot towards the far corner. Emelianova dived quickly and parried the ball, keeping Russia ahead at the break.

Second-half errors prove costly

India’s comeback hopes faded after a 49th-minute lapse. A series of weak backpasses under pressure caused trouble. Ritu Badaik started the move, and captain Elizabed Lakra’s clearance worsened it. Menyailova intercepted, rounded Munni, and finished calmly for Russia’s second goal.

Russia seal result; India still create chances

Russia made it 3-0 in the 52nd minute. Mira Kuznetsova slipped a through ball to Menyailova. She struck a powerful right-footed shot past Munni. India kept pushing and almost scored in the 70th minute. Substitute Pearl Fernandes hit firmly, but Emelianova saved again.

India show promise despite defeat

The score reflected Russia’s sharper finishing and India’s individual mistakes. India still showed promise through Valaina’s creativity and Olivia’s debut display. The final friendly on April 17 will stream on the Indian Football YouTube Channel. India aim to correct errors before the Asian Cup.

India U17 women line-up and substitutions

India U17 Women: Munni (GK), Elizabed Lakra, Divyani Linda, Thandamoni Baskey (Bonifilia Shullai 82′), Julan Nongmaithem (Joya 88′), Olivia Chanu Ningthoujam (Anushka Kumari 82′), Ritu Badaik (Alisha Lyngdoh 62′), Valaina Fernandes (Pearl Fernandes 62′), Redima Devi Chingkhamayum, Abhista Basnett, Alva Devi Senjam (Pritika Barman 62′).