Kolkata, October 8 (Daily Kiran) : The Indian women’s football team faced a tough defeat against Russia, losing 0-4 in a friendly match held at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on October 8, 2026. Ranked 69th in the world, India put up a commendable fight against the 27th-ranked Russian team, managing to hold them off for a significant portion of the first half.
The match saw Russia take the lead in the 40th minute, thanks to a goal from Yana Sheina. Following the halftime break, the pressure intensified, and substitute Kira Petukhova scored twice within five minutes, at the 60th and 65th minutes. Yana Swistunova capped off the scoring with a goal in the 81st minute.
Head coach Crispin Chhetri utilized this match to give several young players their international debut, including Bebisana Devi Thingbaijam, Malati Munda, Cindy Kolni, Shubhangi Singh, Dhurga Perumal, and Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam. Additionally, goalkeeper Monalisa Devi Moirangthem played her third international match.
Despite the significant gap in world rankings, the Indian team started the match with discipline. Russia dominated possession and exerted pressure throughout, but India’s defense held strong, with Monalisa making several crucial saves to deny the Russian attackers.
India nearly took the lead midway through the first half when Malavika P. had a chance inside the box. However, Russian goalkeeper Natalia Silina swiftly intervened to block the opportunity. Towards the end of the half, Linda Com Sarto also had a chance, but India could not convert their opportunities into goals.
After Yana Sheina’s opening goal, the match became more challenging for India, especially as heavy rain fell after halftime. Russia capitalized on the conditions, doubling their lead with a long-range effort from captain Nadezhda Smirnova in the 60th minute. Monalisa attempted to stop the shot, but Petukhova reacted quickly to score from close range.
Five minutes later, Petukhova found the net again as India struggled to clear the ball inside their box. In the 66th minute, Chhetri made three substitutions, bringing on Shubhangi Singh, Priyadarshini Selladurai, and Renu for Malati Munda, Bebisana, and Jasoda Munda.
Russia maintained their dominance, and in the 81st minute, Swistunova scored the final goal, controlling a bouncing ball from the left before deceiving Monalisa. This match highlighted the challenges faced by India’s young squad against a formidable opponent, although they showcased solid defense and created some promising chances in the first half. India will face Russia again on October 11 for a second friendly match.
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