Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Apr 7: Indian Arrows Women Juniors suffered their first setback in the ongoing 2024-25 Indian Women's League (IWL) 2 campaign, going down 0-1 to hosts Roots FC in a tightly contested group B clash at the Padukone-Dravid Centre for Sports Excellence Phase 2 on Monday.

Roots FC took the lead in the 12th minute through Maibam Nandeshwori Devi, whose neat first-time finish off Rosy Thanga’s low cross proved decisive. The early goal was enough to seal all three points for the Bengaluru-based side, propelling them to the top of the Group B table with six points from two matches.

Indian Arrows Women juniors, who had posted back-to-back wins against Pudhuvai Unicorns and Inter Kashi, slipped to second place. With the top two teams from the five-team group advancing to the final round, Arrows will now face a must-win clash against Casa Barwani SC on Wednesday.

Head coach Joakim Alexandersson made a single change to his line-up, replacing winger Rupashree Munda with striker Valaina Fernandes. Despite enjoying dominant possession throughout the game, the young Arrows side struggled to break through roots’ disciplined and compact defence.

Roots goalkeeper Sonakshi Singh was called into action only once, pulling off a fine save to deny Julan Nongmaithem’s volley early in the second half. Indian Arrows pressed for an equaliser, with Alexandersson bringing on attacking options like Taniya Devi, Munda, and Gurnaz Kaur.

Valaina came agonisingly close with a half-volley from outside the box that sailed just over the bar, while Viksit Bara, known for her long-range efforts, narrowly missed with a 35-yard free-kick.

Despite the defeat, Indian Arrows remain in strong contention for a final round berth and will look to bounce back strongly in their final group fixture midweek.