India women’s football team lost both of their friendlies against Russia in Kolkata, 4-0 on 8 October 2026 and 8-0 on 11 October, Khel Now reported. Both matches were played at Kishore Bharati Krirangan.
First match: Russia 4, India 0 (8 October)
Russia, ranked 27th in the world to India’s 69th, scored through Iana Sheina (40th minute), Kira Petukhova (60th and 65th) and Iana Svistunova (81st). The game was played on a rain-soaked pitch. India were competitive for the first 45 minutes, with goalkeeper Monalisha Devi Moirangthem making important saves, before conceding three times after the break.
Head coach Crispin Chettri gave six players their international debuts: Babysana Devi Thingbaijam, Malati Munda, Cindy Colney, Shubhangi Singh, Dhurga Perumal and Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam. Khel Now said he used the match to test emerging players.
Second match: Russia 8, India 0 (11 October)
Russia led 5-0 at half-time and scored eight times in all:
- Darina Ishmukhametova, 21st minute and 42nd (penalty)
- Marine Achoian, 25th and 45+1
- Daiana Kishmakhova, 29th
- Natalia Mashina, 50th and 51st
- Elizaveta Semenova, 74th
India made five changes, bringing in Shubhangi Singh, Mousumi Murmu, Renu, Dhurga Perumal and Priyadharshini Selladurai, and Ranjana Chanu Sorokhaibam captained the side. The first goal came from a goalkeeping error, and the report said Russia’s passing and pace repeatedly exposed India’s defence.
What it means
Khel Now’s analysis of the first match pointed to defensive weaknesses and communication problems after Russia changed their approach in the second half.
Scores, scorers and line-ups are as reported by Khel Now.
Image: India’s women’s Under-20 team in a 2026 AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup qualifier (file photo). Photo by Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (SAI), licensed under Government Open Data License – India, via Wikimedia Commons.
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