Reports | India women dedicates 3-1 win over Bolivia to Sunil Chhetri
The Indian women's senior national team defeated Bolivia 3-1 in their second match of the COTIF Cup football tournament in Spain, and dedicated the win, via Twitter, to the Indian men’s captain Sunil Chhetri on his birthday. India’s win came courtesy of a brace from Ratanbala Devi.
After the 0-2 defeat against Spanish club side Villarreal CF, it looked like the Indian women would have another disastrous outing against Bolivia. In just the second minute, they conceded the lead in the most unfortunate manner possible, as Sweety Devi put the ball into her own net.
However, a fired up India hit back just three minutes later. Bala Devi collected the ball around the penalty area and fired a volley past the opposition goalkeeper to even the scores.
From there on, it was a comfortable game for the Indians. The Indian women wasted little time and got right into the thick of the action. Ratanbala Devi scored her first of two goals in the 36th minute when she connected sweetly with a cross from the flank. The header flew past the goalie and put India into the lead. Shortly after, Ratanbala Devi got her second goal to extend India's lead to 3-1.
The team’s Twitter account later dedicated the win to the men’s captain Chhetri. The Indian football legend celebrated his 35th birthday on Saturday.
“The Indian women's team dedicated their win over Bolivia to none other than @chetrisunil11!,” the tweet said.