India finish eighth in Women's Hockey World League semifinal

Johannesburg, July 22: The Indian women's hockey team conceded one-goal lead to go down 1-2 to Ireland and finish eighth in Women's Hockey World League Semifinal on Saturday (July 22).

Despite maintaining an upper hand throughout the match, India let the opponents score two goals in the final quarter. In the 15th minute, India won a penalty corner which was successfully converted by Gurjit Kaur, who came up with a well-executed flick firing the ball low to the left giving India a 1-0 lead.

There was plenty of entertainment in the second quarter with India dominating with improvised circle penetrations. During one such circle entry in the 24th minute, Navjot Kaur was obstructed by Ireland goalkeeper Ayeisha McFerran which resulted in her being sent away with a yellow card for 10 minutes.

India were awarded a penalty stroke but nothing came off the opportunity with Ireland's stand-by goalkeeper Grace O'Flanagan making a great save.

Although Ireland attackers made brave forays into the circle and attempted shots on goal, goalkeeper Savita was on top of the job to keep the ball out. Less than two minutes into the fourth quarter, Ireland levelled the score with a clinical variation in their PC attempt that saw Kathryn Mullan finding a perfect deflection to put it past Savita in the 47th minute.

Ireland pumped in another goal through a PC converted by Lizzie Colvin in the 48th minute to take a 2-1 lead. Though India made desperate amends to equal the score, Ireland defence stood strong to win the match.

PTI