Young Tigresses lose 0-3 to Russia in second friendly at Sochi
India’s under-17 women’s football team lost 0-3 to Russia in their second friendly at Sochi. Valeria Menyailova scored twice after Sofia Svyatnaya’s opener. India, coached by Pamela Conti, will play the final friendly on April 17
Hyderabad: The India Under-17 women’s team suffered a 0-3 defeat against Russia in the second of three friendly matches at the Matsesta Football Center in Sochi, Russia, on Tuesday.
Valeria Menyailova struck twice early in the second half (49′, 52′) after Sofia Svyatnaya (18′) had opened the scoring, as the hosts capitalised on key errors to secure the win. While the entire Russia squad was born in 2009, India’s starting XI included four born in 2009, four in 2011 and three in 2010.
The Young Tigresses, coached by Italian Pamela Conti, are using these matches to prepare for next month’s AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2026. India had lost 0-4 in the first game against Russia three days ago.
Despite India’s growing involvement, Russia broke the deadlock in the 18th minute through an unfortunate error. Sofia Svyatnaya floated in a free-kick from the left that should have been a routine take for Munni, but the goalkeeper misjudged the flight, allowing the ball to slip over the line.
The setback sparked a response from the Young Tigresses, who began to push higher up the pitch and create openings. Their best opportunity of the half came in the 32nd minute when Valaina skipped past her marker and aimed a curling effort towards the far corner. Emelianova, however, reacted swiftly to parry the ball away, preserving Russia’s lead going into the break.
India’s hopes of a comeback were dented early in the second half following a defensive lapse. In the 49th minute, a sequence of poor backpasses proved costly. Ritu Badaik initiated the move under pressure, and captain Elizabed Lakra’s attempted clearance only made matters worse. Menyailova capitalised, intercepting the loose ball before rounding Munni and finishing calmly to double Russia’s advantage.
The hosts extended their lead soon after with a well-worked move in the 52nd minute. Mira Kuznetsova threaded a precise through pass to Menyailova, who made no mistake in front of goal, dispatching a powerful right-footed strike to make it 3-0.
The two teams will meet once more in the final friendly on April 17, as India look to regroup and fine-tune their preparations for the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2026. The last friendly will be streamed live on the Indian Football YouTube Channel.
