The India U20 women’s football team began their preparatory tour of Kazakhstan on a winning note, defeating the Kazakhstan U19 side 3-2 in the first of two friendly matches at the BIIK Sports Complex in Shymkent on Saturday.

Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam opened the scoring in the second minute, turning in Neha’s cross from the right, before Anju Chanu Kayenpaibam doubled the lead in the 15th minute, again assisted by Neha, as per the AIFF website.

Kazakhstan pulled one back through a Zhanel Talasbayeva penalty in the 23rd minute, but Pooja restored India’s two-goal advantage before half-time, finishing off a fine delivery from right-back Remi Thokchom.

Nazym Aldanazar converted another penalty late in the game for the hosts, but India held firm to secure the victory.

The Young Tigresses wil

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