Dhaka, Apr 22 (UNB)- Mongolia routed Tajikistan by 3-0 goals in the opening Group A match of the ongoing Bangamata U-19 Women’s International Gold Cup Football at the floodlit Bangabandhu National Stadium here on Tuesday.

Skipper Undral Tuvshinjargal, Enkhmargad Enkhbaatar and Delgerzaya Nyamsuren scored one goal each for Mongolia.

With the victory, Mongolia, which led the first half by 2-0 goals, brightened their chance to reach the semifinals.  

Captain Undral Tuvshinjargal opened the Mongolian account in the 13th minute by a close range header from the goal mouth melee, off a corner from Lora Tom (1-0).

1. the 28th minute, a misstep by Tajikistan goalkeeper Shukronai Azimzoda helped left winger Enkhmargad Enkhbaatar double the margin for Mongolia (2-0).

In the second half, Mongolia got another chance to widen the margin as they were awarded a penalty by referee in the 68th minute.

Mongolian defender Delgerzaya Nyamsuren converted the spot kick correctly to score the 3rd goal for Mongolia (3-0).

Tajikistan took the first replacement in the game. Midfielder Qurbonova Suman replaced midfielder Kurbonova Dzhonona in the 45th minute while defender Kuchkinova Lailo replaced defender Abdulloeva Niso in the 63rd minute.

On the other hand, Mongolia took one replacement in the 89th minute. Midfielder Sarnai Sukhbat replaced midfielder Lora Tom.

Kyrgyzstan will face the UAE in Group B on Wednesday at the same venue. The match will kick off at 6pm (BST).

Earlier, Bangladesh defeated the UAE by 2-0 goals in the opening match at Bangabandhu National Stadium on Monday. The hosts will now play against Kyrgyzstan on April 26.