The Indian senior women's team suffered a 1-2 loss against hosts Jordan in the first of the two friendlies at the Petra Stadium here on Sunday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
These matches are being held as part of India's preparations for Round 1 of the Asian Qualifiers for the Women's Olympic Football Tournament 2024 in the Kyrgyz Republic next month.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The hosts began the proceedings in style, racing to a two-goal lead within the opening quarter of an hour, the All-India Football Federation (AIFF) said in a report on its website.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Indian centre-back Ritu Rani was unfortunate to turn in a pass from a Jordanian shirt into the Indian net for an own goal.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
India head coach Thomas Dennerby's decision to line up with five defenders -- Sweety, Ritu and Ashalata in the middle, with Ranjana and Dalima as fullbacks - did have an impact but failed to stop the home team from scoring.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Missing the duo of Manisha Kalyan and Soumya Guguloth due to their club commitments in Europe, Dennerby had limited options in attack.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
In the second half, Renu, Karishma Shirvoikar and Apurna Narzary came on, and India began to assert themselves in the final third.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Renu pulled one back 16 minutes from time, applying the finishing touch to a brilliant team move from the Blue Tigresses. Ritu picked out Anju Tamang with a forward pass. The midfielder then dribbled into the penalty area and squared the ball for Renu, who tapped it in with ease at the near post.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
In the second half, Renu, Karishma Shirvoikar and Apurna Narzary came on, and India began to assert themselves in the final third.<\/p>\r\n\r\n