The Lionesses soared to the top of the Hero U-17 Women’s Championship table after beating Bembem Devi’s Cheetahs 6-1 to win their second game of the tournament at the Kalyani Municipal Stadium on Wednesday. The game concluded a goal-filled matchday 2, which saw a total of 14 goals scored by the young stars.

• Sumati Kumari scored her first goal of the tournament in the 22^nd minute.
• Lynda Kom’s beautiful curler in the 27^th minute doubled the lead for the Lionesses.
• Priyanka Kashyap pulled one back for the Cheetahs with a beautiful long-range shot in the 32^nd minute.
• Shilky Devi Hemam scored from the spot in the 34^th minute.
• Priyangka Devi scored her side’s fourth goal with a beautiful finish in the 72^nd minute
• Lynda scored her second goal in the 80^th minute.
• Sai Sankee scored the sixth goal in the 87^th minute. 

Alex Ambrose’s Lionesses made a strong start against Bembem Devi’s Cheetahs, continuing from where they left off against the Panthers in the last match – one which they won 3-0. Sumati Kumari was a threat from the get go, as she kept the Cheetahs defence on their toes. Her forward runs finally paid dividends as the Lionesses broke the deadlock after Sumati teed the ball up for Lynda Kom Serto, whose shot hit the post. Sumati, however, showcased some intelligent positioning and was at the right place at the right time to turn the ball in.  

Lynda Kom made it 2-0 five minutes later with a left footed curler, which left Cheetahs’ shot-stopper Anshika rooted to her spot. However, in the 32^nd minute, Cheetahs forward Priyanka Kashyap scored a stunner to pull a goal back for her side. 

The Lionesses, however, bounced right back after Sumati won a penalty for her side. Shilky Devi Hemam converted the penalty with ease, restoring the Lionesses’ two-goal lead. The first-half ended 3-1 in the Lionesses’ favour.

Despite the Cheetahs giving it their best, Ambrose’s charges did not let the momentum slow down after the restart. After seeing off an initial charge by the Cheetahs, the Lionesses found their rhythm. Priyangka Devi slotted home her side’s fourth goal of the night in the 72^nd minute. Midfielder Kiran came close to making it five, but her shot was calmly collected by the Cheetahs keeper.

Ultimately it was Sumati and Lynda Kom who combined for the fifth, with the former assisting Lynda for her second goal of the night. The Lionesses wrapped up the convincing win with Sumati’s replacement Sai Sankee scoring their sixth goal of the game with her very first involvement after coming on. The three points saw the Lionesses overtake the Tigresses on the points table based on goal difference.