Manisha Kalyan signs for Cyprus champions Apollon Ladies

The 20-year-old could become the first Indian to play in the UEFA Women's Champions League.

Manisha Kalyan has become the second player from Gokulam Kerala women in as many days to sign for a foreign club. The 20-year-old has joined Cyprus champions Apollon Ladies, her now-former club announced on Sunday. Her signing follows the departure of Dangmei Grace to Uzbek club FC Nasaf.

A two-time Indian Women's League winner with the Malabarians, Manisha was also named this IWL season's Player of the League. She is also the first Indian women's footballer to score at the continental level after netting in the AFC Women's Club Championship.

[KH_ADWORDS type="4" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS]

Gokulam Kerala announced that Manisha has signed a two-year contract with Apollon Ladies, who will play in the UEFA Women's Champions League this season. She leaves the Malabarians after three successful years with them. Manisha can now become the first-ever Indian to play in the UEFA Women's Champions League.

Apollon Ladies, who are two-time defending Cypriot First Division (women) champions will play in round 1 of the UWCL qualifiers. They will face Latvia's Riga FS in a two-legged clash on August 18 and 21. The winner of this match will then meet the winner between Switzerland's FC Zurich and Klaksvik Kvinnur of Faroe Island. Apollon are also the most successful team in the Cypriot First Division with 11 titles.

[KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News |ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS]

About the Player

A pacey wing forward, who loves dominating the wings and driving straight at the defenders, Manisha came into prominence after scoring against Brazil in a friendly tournament. Although India lost that game 1-6, Manisha's goal made her the first-ever Indian to achieve that feat against a top nation.

A native of Hoshiarpur in Punjab, Manisha made her India debut in 2019 against Hong Kong. She has since become a key feature of the senior team. At the club level, Manisha has represented Sethu FC, Kenkre and Doba Sporting Club apart from Gokulam. In the recently-concluded IWL season, she finished as the second-highest scorer with 14 goals.

Manisha Kalyan is also the fourth Indian women's player to sign for an overseas club. She follows Bala Devi, Aditi Chauhan and Dangmei Grace in creating history.

For more football updates, follow Khel Now on Twitter, Instagram and join our community on Telegram.