Myanmar: With no less than a win needed to progress into the next round of Women’s Olympic Qualifiers, the Indians were held to an exciting 3-3 by hosts Myanmar to bow out of the tournament here at the Mandalar Thiri Stadium Tuesday.
Courtesy this draw, Myanmar finishing on level points with India (seven from 3 games) progress to the next round, due to an inferior goal difference of +8, in comparison to India’s +4.
Sandhiya Ranganathan gave India the lead in the 10th minute before Win Theingi Tun headed for the hosts to equalise seven minutes later.
Four minutes later, Myanmar took the lead from the spot. Goalkeeper Linthoi Devi dived to her right to save the penalty, but Theingi Tun lurching around scored off the rebound to make it 2-1 for the hosts.
Down by a goal, the Indians fought for every inch on the pitch putting their bodies on the line, and committed to every play. However, the hard work paid off as Sanju equalised for India in the 32nd minute from a Ratanbala Devi cross.
The Indian girls took the lead again in the 64th minute through Ratanbala but Theingi Tun dashed all their hopes eight minutes later with her third and take them through.