manisha kalyan news: Manisha Kalyan becomes first Indian to play in UEFA Women’s Champions League

Young striker Manisha Kalyan became the first Indian footballer to play in the UEFA Women’s Champions League when she made her debut for Apollon Ladies FC in the European club competition in Angomi, Cyprus.

Kalyan replaced Marilena Georgiou of Cyprus in the 60th minute at the Makario Stadium as Apollon Ladies FC beat Latvian top flight club SFK Riga 3-0 in their UWCL opener on Thursday.

The 20-year-old became the fourth Indian female footballer to be signed for an overseas club when she signed a multi-year contract with Cyprus’ top division winners Apollon Ladies.

Kalyan had impressive performances for the national team and Gokulam Kerala in the Indian Women’s League (IWL).

She was recently awarded the AIFF Woman Footballer of the Year for the 2021-22 season.

Kalyan shot to fame in his own den during an international friendly against former World Cup runners-up Brazil last year.

Kalyan Gokulam is the second player from Kerala to have signed for an overseas club after Dangmei Grace joined Uzbek outfit FC Nassaf.

Apollon Ladies will next take on FC Zurich Frauen on 21 August.

Originally published at Pen 18