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Manisha Kalyan, a young striker, became the first Indian footballer to play in the UEFA Women’s Champions League when she made her debut for Apollon Women’s FC in the European Club tournament in Engomi, Cyprus.
Kalyan came on in the 60th minute to replace Cyprus’ Marilena Georgiou as Apollon Ladies FC defeated Latvian top flight club SFK Riga 3-0 in their UWCL debut on Thursday at the Makareio Stadium.
When she signed a multi-year contract with Cypriot top division winners Apollon Ladies, the 20-year-old became the fourth Indian female footballer to sign for an overseas club.
Kalyan had previously impressed for the national team and Gokulam Kerala in the Indian Women’s League (IWL).
She was recently named the AIFF Woman Footballer of the Year.
She was recently named AIFF Woman Footballer of the Year for the season 2021-22.
Kalyan rose to prominence last year after scoring against former World Cup runners-up Brazil in their own stadium during an international friendly.
After Dangmei Grace joined Uzbek club FC Nasaf, Kalyan is the second player from Gokulam Kerala to sign for an overseas club.
On August 21, Apollon Ladies will face FC Zurich Frauen.
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