What was frustrating for India was the weak link-up between the midfield and the forwardline. Penalty corner conversion also continued to haunt India as they made use of just one out of 10 chances
India’s Sangita Kumari (fourth from right) celebrates scoring the team’s second goal against Ghana yesterday. Pic/AP, PTI
The Indian women’s hockey team defeated a lowly Ghana 5-0 to start its Commonwealth Games campaign on a winning note here on Friday.
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The Savita Punia-led team was, however, far from impressive in its first Pool A game.
Gurjit Kaur (3rd, 39th minutes) scored a brace, while Neha Goyal (28th), Sangita Kumari (36th) and Salima Tete (56th) struck a field goal each for India.
Even though India dominated the match in all departments, it was a lacklustre performance from them in the first two quarters as Ghana’s defence produced a resolute show to frustrate their fancied opponents.
Midfield-forwardline weak
What was frustrating for India was the weak link-up between the midfield and the forwardline. Penalty corner conversion also continued to haunt India as they made use of just one out of 10 chances.
The Indians were expected to steamroll Ghana, but goalkeeper Abigail Boye made some phenomenal saves to keep her side in the contest. She was ably supported by her backline.
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The Indians pressed on the accelerator from the onset and took the lead in the third minute when Gurjit converted her side’s first penalty corner with a fierce drag-flick to the right corner.
India soon earned a second penalty corner but Ghana defended bravely with Boye producing yet another fine save.
Attacking show
Just before the end of the first quarter, India were awarded a penalty stroke for a foul inside the ‘D’ but Ghana successfully challenged the decision.
The Indians came out attacking in the second quarter while Ghana were content on soaking up the pressure.
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