India will play Bangladesh in their final Group A encounter in the SAFF Women’s Championship in Kathmandu on Wednesday in an attempt to further solidify their supremacy, as they have already guaranteed a semifinal position.
This is a battle of life or death for Bangladesh. With a superior goal differential, a win would make them the group winners, while a loss would send Pakistan to the semifinals.
If the Blue Tigresses win, Pakistan, who are also on four points, will advance to the semifinals alongside India. Bangladesh needs to win to top the group, although a draw would leave them in second place with four points.
Blue Tigresses clinched their place in the semifinals
After defeating Pakistan 5-2 to secure their spot in the semifinals, the Blue Tigresses will now concentrate on winning the group and exacting revenge for a traumatic 2022 experience.
Bangladesh shocked India in that season by snapping their championship winning streak with a resounding 3-0 victory in the group round.
The Blue Tigresses will be keen to correct the record as it was the first time in SAFF history that India has suffered a defeat to their South Asian opponents.
Bala Devi, Blue Tigresses captain, said “We have faced Bangladesh before, and we watched their last game against Pakistan. Our sole focus now is to win this match,”
“We have both senior and young players anc we are prepared to push for a win. We have had productive training sessions, and I hope we can put what we have practiced into action.” “As the captain, I aim to lead by example and support the team in every way.
Bangladesh has some fast and youthful players, but I believe our mental strength gives us an edge, which will be crucial in tomorrow’s game,” she added.
The team has trained for five days in Kathmandu under the direction of head coach Santosh Kashyap in order to get ready for the difficulties that would arise against Bangladesh.
He has thoroughly evaluated every possible danger that the opposition might present. He said “Tomorrow’s match will be challenging, as Bangladesh are a strong side with a foreign coach and have solid tactical plans. Although we have already booked a spot in the semi-finals, we are taking it one game at a time, aiming to win every match. “I prefer playing attacking football because it’s not only effective but also entertaining for everyone. It’s a style that I, as well as the players, enjoy, and we will try to maintain that momentum,”
Defender Dalima Chhibber is making her return to the tournament
After missing the 2022 tournament, defender Dalima Chhibber, who won the Most Valuable Player award in the 2019 SAFF Women’s Championship, is returning.
She missed the previous one since she played for three seasons in Canada, but she is back and prepared to play in the SAFF Championship. Following a 1-1 draw in their group-stage match, Bangladesh and Pakistan are now locked on one point each.
The loss of coach Golam Rabbani Choton and important players like Anai Mogini and defender Akhi Khatun would be regretted by Bangladesh.
Young players like Afeida Khandakar, Matsushima Sumaya, and Airin Khatun are among the new talents the team has added.
Bangladesh head coach Peter Butler said “We are coming up against an Indian team, who, in my opinion, are probably the best team in the tournament, They are very disciplined and organised in their manner and their demeanour of actually how they walk around the hotel. I think it’ll be quite an attacking game. The most important thing is to try and share out the workload with all our players.”
He added “It’s a do or die game. It’s a game we don’t want to lose. India’s already booked their semi-final berth and I’m quietly optimistic,”
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