SANTIAGO: A resilient Indian junior women’s hockey team came from behind twice to hold Chile senior side to a 2-2 draw in its fourth match of the tour.
Deepika (40th minute) and Gagandeep Kaur (55th) led India’s fight back after Chile had taken the lead twice through goals from Mariana del Jesus Lagos (21st) and Fernanda Villagran (51st) at the Prince of Wales Country Club.
With three wins from as many games in the tour, the Indian team started the match brightly as they tried to penetrate Chile’s defence, but could not find a clear opportunity inside the first 15 minutes.
Chile, on the other hand, relied on counter attacks with their tactic paying off in the second quarter.
It was in the 21st minute that Chile’s Mariana del Jesus Lagos found herself with enough time and space in front of the Indian goal to get her shot and give her side the lead in the match.
India were quick to fight back and tried to take control the proceedings but came up against some resolute defending from the hosts who maintained their one goal advantage at half time.
A charged up India came out with purpose in the third quarter and created a lot of chances.
After having been denied from multiple penalty corner chances, India finally got the equaliser in the 40th minute through Deepika, who finished off a beautiful team goal.
–PTI

Press Trust of India