India went down against Morocco 0-3 in their second match of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup at the Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneshwar on Friday (October 14).
The defeat against fellow debutants marked hosts India’s second consecutive loss. The match started with Morocco making early attacks. In the second minute, Morocco’s Samya Masnaoui made an attempt at the goal but it was cleared by the Indian defence. Masnaoui gave another shot but this time it directly went at goalkeeper Melody Keisham.
India’s first attempt came in the seventh minute when Nitu collected a faulty pass from Morocco’s backline. However, her cross was blocked off for a corner. In the ninth minute, Nitu was fouled and Neha took a free kick but India failed to build on the opportunity.
In spite of a poor outing, India did well to keep Morocco at bay in the first half. At the stroke of halftime, Morocco got an opportunity to take the lead but the team was denied by the hosts. In the second half, India conceded a penalty as Naketa handled the ball and Morocco opened their account in four minutes.
India conceded a second goal when a cross by Masnaoui was converted by Zouhir. In the 70th minute, the referee showed Masnaoui a yellow card for a foul. India, however, again fumbled as the free-kick taken by Naketa went wide.
The hosts made a shot on target when Anita was set up on goal by substitute Lynda but the attempt was saved by Morocco custodian Wissal Titah’s brilliant skills. Morocco added a third goal through Djennah Cherif in the dying minutes to run away with three points.
India will next play Brazil in their group league match on October 17.