Sofia svyatnaya

Matsesta Football Center: The India U17 women’s team suffered a 0-3 defeat against Russia in the second of three friendly matches at the Matsesta Football Center in Sochi, Russia, on Tuesday.

Valeria Menyailova struck twice early in the second half (49', 52') after Sofia Svyatnaya (18') had opened the scoring, as the hosts capitalised on key errors to secure the win. While the entire Russia squad was born in 2009, India’s starting XI included four born in 2009, four in 2011, and three in 2010.

The Young Tigresses, coached by Italian Pamela Conti, are using these matches to prepare for next month's all-important AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup China 2026. India lost 0-4 in the first game against Russia three days ago.