With a semifinal spot already secured, India will look to reaffirm their dominance after they tackle Bangladesh of their ultimate Group A match of the SAFF Women’s Championship in Kathmandu on Wednesday. For Bangladesh, it is a do-or-die conflict. A win would crown them group champions, whereas a defeat would see Pakistan advance to the semifinals, with a superior objective distinction. Pakistan, additionally on 4 factors, would be a part of India within the semifinals if the Blue Tigresses triumph. A draw would go away Bangladesh as group runners-up with 4 factors, however they want a victory to prime the group.
The Blue Tigresses clinched their place within the semifinals with a commanding 5-2 victory over Pakistan however now their focus shifts to topping the group and avenging a painful reminiscence of 2022.
In that version, Bangladesh dealt a stunning blow on India by ending their unbeaten streak within the championship with a decisive 3-0 win within the group stage.
It marked the primary time India had misplaced to their South Asian rivals in SAFF historical past, and the Blue Tigresses will likely be desperate to set the report straight.
“We have confronted Bangladesh earlier than, and we watched their final recreation towards Pakistan. Our sole focus now could be to win this match,” skipper Bala Devi mentioned.
“We have each senior and younger gamers and we’re ready to push for a win. We have had productive coaching classes, and I hope we will put what we’ve practiced into motion.” “As the captain, I goal to guide by instance and assist the crew in each manner. Bangladesh has some quick and youthful gamers, however I imagine our psychological energy offers us an edge, which will likely be essential in tomorrow’s recreation,” added the 34-year-old from Manipur.
Head coach Santosh Kashyap has led the crew by means of 5 days of coaching in Kathmandu, getting ready for the challenges that lie forward towards Bangladesh.
He has rigorously assessed all of the potential threats posed by the opposition.
“Tomorrow’s match will likely be difficult, as Bangladesh are a powerful aspect with a overseas coach and have stable tactical plans. Although we’ve already booked a spot within the semi-finals, we’re taking it one recreation at a time, aiming to win each match.
“I desire taking part in attacking soccer as a result of it isn’t solely efficient but in addition entertaining for everybody. It’s a mode that I, in addition to the gamers, take pleasure in, and we’ll attempt to keep that momentum,” Kashyap mentioned.
Defender Dalima Chhibber, who was named the Most Valuable Player within the 2019 SAFF Women’s Championship, is making her return to the event after lacking the 2022 version.
She was absent final time because of taking part in three seasons in Canada, however now she’s again and able to compete within the SAFF Championship as soon as once more.
Bangladesh and Pakistan are presently tied on one level every after a 1-1 draw of their group-stage match.
For Bangladesh, the absence of coach Golam Rabbani Choton, together with key gamers like defender Akhi Khatun and Anai Mogini, will likely be felt.
However, the crew have introduced in contemporary abilities, together with younger gamers akin to Afeida Khandakar, Matsushima Sumaya, and Airin Khatun.
“We are arising towards an Indian crew, who, in my view, are most likely one of the best crew within the event,” Bangladesh head coach Peter Butler mentioned.
“They are very disciplined and organised of their method and their manner of truly how they stroll across the resort. I believe it’s going to be fairly an attacking recreation. The most essential factor is to try to share out the workload with all our gamers.
“It’s a do or die recreation. It’s a recreation we do not wish to lose. India’s already booked their semi-final berth and I’m quietly optimistic,” he added.
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