India failed to defend its crown at the fifth women’s Asian Champions Trophy after it lost 0-1 to hosts South Korea in the summit clash at Donghae City (Korea). Solid in their defence, South Korea scored the only goal of the match in the 24th minute when Youngsil Lee found the back of the net from a field effort.
India’s defence was tested in the early stages as South Korea started the game well, winning possession in the midfield and putting pressure on the opposition. However, India defended their lines well and tried to surprise the Koreans on the counters.
South Korea had better chances in the first period but the opening 15 minutes ended goalless as both the teams failed to find an opening. But the Koreans dominated the second quarter and won three penalty corners in a span of two minutes, but Indian goalkeeper Savita made some good reflex saves to deny the hosts.
The Koreans tasted success in the 24th minute when they caught the Indian defence on a counter-attack. Mi Hyun Park made a darting run on the right flank and passed the ball across the Indian goal, which was deflected into the back of the net by Lee to give her team the lead. India struggled to build momentum after going behind as the hosts took their one-goal lead into the half-time break.
Trailing, the onus was on India to find the equaliser. But South Korea didn’t let the Indian attackers find space inside their striking circle. The hosts sat back in their own half for the rest of the match, and looked to hit India on the counters.
Indian striker Vandana Katariya was declared the player of the tournament while youngster Lalremsiami was named as the upcoming player. Navneet Kaur and Vandana finished as joint top-scorer in the tournament along with China’s Xiaoming Song.
