Football News: Indian women kick-off Gold cup campaign with a win

The Dominant Indian women’s football team began their campaign in the Hero Gold Cup on a winning note when they beat Iran by a solitary goal at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneshar. Anju Tamang’s match-winner in the 48th minute ensured India made it five wins in a row having won the last four friendlies against Hong Kong and Indonesia respectively. India and Iran had fair chances to score in the first half but the defence of both the teams showed great resilience as the first half remained goalless. Iran however had managed to cause a serious scare for the home side just before the half time as forward Sara Ghomimarzdashti ran through towards goal. Her shot was on target but Indian custodian Aditi Chauhan stooped down to prevent any damage. After the breather, India got off to an electric start as Ratanbala played in Sanju and her shot from a tight angle just flied over the crossbar in the 46th minute. Spurred, the same duo combined excellently two minutes later to set up the opening goal.