Manisha Kalyan's Brace Seals India's Win Against Estonia

The Indian football team withstood a late charge by Estonia to pick up a hard-fought 4-3 win in the Turkish Women's Cup on Wednesday, the side's first victory against an European nation. Striker Manisha Kalyan scored a brace and the Chaoba Devi-coached side created a piece of history as the Indian senior women's team had never before triumphed over a team from the UEFA confederation in an official outing. The teams were locked 1-1 at half time. Manisha struck in the 17th and 81st minutes while Indumathi Kathiresan (62'), and Pyari Xaxa (79') scored the other goals for India.

Lisette Tammik (32'), Vlada Kubassova (88') and Mari Liis Lillemae (90') found the target for Estonia.

Played at the picturesque Gold City Sports Complex, the Blue Tigresses made a perfect start when they shot into the lead through a Manisha goal.

After Estonia drew level off a strike by Lisette Tammik, a rampaging India struck thrice through Indumathi, Xaxa and Manisha to take a commanding 4-1 lead.

Just as it appeared that the Indian women were on their way to a resounding victory, Estonia made a last-ditch effort to equalise, scoring twice through Vlada Kubassova (88') and Mari Liis Lillemae (90').

However, the Indian defence did a fine job to see out the rest of the time and secure a memorable win.

At the start, India began with an intent to hit Estonia on the counter, using their speedy wingers while letting the opponents drive deeper into the box.

This played into the hands of the Blue Tigresses from the start, as Karthika's interception on the right allowed Pyari to rush into the space behind the Estonian defence.

The India striker laced her shot past Estonia keeper Karina Kork, but it struck the upright and was eventually cleared.

Pyari often