India vs Ghana Highlights, Commonwealth Games 2022: Gurjit scores twice; IND off to dominant start with 5-0 win over GHA

The second quarter is underway and India are straightaway looking to attack. Ghana, on the other hand, are soaking up immense pressure.

What a save!!! Goalline clearance from the defender! High-fives all around for Ghana as it remains 1-0 at the end of first quarter.

India 1-0 Ghana

Fabulous save from the Ghana goalkeeper! India look to attack on the rebound but a good tackle from the opposition banishes the attack. India get a long corner.

Ghana successfully challenge the decision of penalty stroke.

Not something that Indian team would want early in the game. PC awarded but they squander the chance to extend the lead.

Elizabeth Opoku then tries to enter the Indian circle with some silky dribbling but gives it away, eventually. India still lead 1-0

A lot of yellow shirts around Indian players trying to enter the circle. Indian women have been relentless in their attacks, dominating the possession in the opening quarter this far.

Second PC for India but Ghana defence halts the blues from taking a 2-0 lead.

Goal No.1!!! Not even three minutes into the game and Gurjit Kaur gives India a 1-0 lead! India get a PC and Kaur flicks one into the top corner.

India looking for an early opportunity... and first PC for India in just two and half minutes of play!

Crowd giving equal applause to both teams as players enter the stadium. Let's begin!

PC conversion was an issue for the women's team at the World Cup and head coach Janeke Schopman will be banking on Gurjit Kaur to get some goals, having endured a mediocre outing at the World Cup.

This will be Vandana’s third Commonwealth Games, as she featured for India at the 2014 and 2018 editions of the mega event.

“I feel that I am in great form and the momentum is with me from the World Cup. I am ready and raring to go and cannot wait for the first match to start. I am extremely optimistic about our squad’s chances to clinch a medal at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games," said the ace.

The spotlight will be on Vandana Katariya, who was the top scorer for the Indian women’s team at the recent World Cup. She scored 3 goals in 6 games.

India's last medal at CWG came way back in 2006, while the only other medal that the women's team bagged at the event was a gold in the 2002 edition. 

The side had bagged a historic fourth-place finish in last year's Tokyo Olympics, and it would look to put on a similar performance at the Games... we are 30 minutes away from Live action. Stay tuned for Live updates!

Even if they pass the Ghana test today, Indian women, ranked ninth at present, have their task cut out against No.3 Australia, fifth-ranked England and world No. 8 New Zealand, who are also strong medal contenders.

Australia have dominated women's hockey in CWG, bagging as many as four gold medals, one silver and a bronze.

Vice-Captain Deep Grace Ekka also spoke about the match against Ghana and said the team will look for a convincing win against relatively weak opposition.

"Our preparations have been fantastic for the game against Ghana, our flawless record against them will serve as a great confidence booster for the squad ahead of the match. We will look to outplay Ghana from the first whistle to make sure we can beat them as convincingly as we did last time," she said.

While it is expected to be a cakewalk for India in their opening two pool games against world No. 30 Ghana, India women will face a stiff challenge against England on August 2, before finishing their pool campaign against No.15 Canada.

India's starting line-up for CWG opener

Savita Punia (GK & C), Deep Grace Ekka (Vc), Gurjit Kaur, Udita, Sushila Chanu, Jyoti, Salima Tete, Sharmila Devi, Neha, Navneet Kaur, Vandana Katariya

The Janneke Schopman-coached side crashed out of the recent World Cup in Spain and the Netherlands, finishing a disappointing ninth at the mega event. India looks for revival of fortunes and begin their Commonwealth Games on a winning note against Ghana.

The Indian women's team returned empty-handed from the last edition of the Games in Gold Coast. They ended their campaign with a 0-6 defeat to England in the the bronze medal play-off match.

India women ended joint ninth with China at the recent World Cup in Spain. But Savita Punia feels her side can turn things around in Birmingham.

"Unfortunately, we couldn't play to our potential at the FIH Hockey Women's World Cup... but we are very determined to turn our form around at the Commonwealth Games," said Punia.

The much-anticipated game will start at 18:30 PM IST at the University of Birmingham Hockey and Squash Centre, Birmingham. Stay tuned for live score and updates!

Full Indian squad for the Commonwealth Games 2022

Goalkeepers: Savita Punia (captain), Rajani Etimarpu.

Defenders: Deep Grace Ekka (vice-captain), Gurjit Kaur, Nikki Pradhan, Udita.

Midfielders: Nisha, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Monika, Neha, Jyoti, Navjot Kaur, Salima Tete.

Forwards: Vandana Katariya, Lalremsiami, Navneet Kaur, Sharmila Devi, Sangita Kumari.

Savita Punia has chance to steer the women's hockey team to glory. But she places her performance above the leadership role.

Of course, captaincy is a responsibility as well as a pressure. Our team is very helpful, they support each other and listen to each other. Every player has their own responsibility. Before being a captain, I am a player, so my focus will be more on that," said the skipper.

The Indian squad comprises goalkeepers Savita and Rajani Etimarpu. Defenders Deep Grace Ekka, Gurjit Kaur, Nikki Pradhan, Udita have been named in the squad along with midfielders Nisha, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Monika, Neha, Jyoti, Navjot Kaur and Salima Tete.

Skipper Savita Punia said that the team is excited about the tournament as her team has waited for four years for the mega event in Birmingham.

"Very excited about this event because we have waited for 4 years for this event, so everyone is excited. Recently we also played the World Cup and it is a big tournament back to back for us. Seeing a player of another sport gives a different opinion and excitement to play. So, definitely, we are feeling good," Punia told ANI.