India is set to compete against Bhutan in the SAFF Women’s Football Championship semifinal at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Margao, Goa. The five-time champions, India, lead Group B with a perfect record, defeating Maldives 11-0 and Bangladesh 3-0.
The Indian team gains strength with the return of forward Manisha Kalyan, who joined the squad after being released by her Peruvian club. Defender Shilky Devi Hemam expressed optimism about Kalyan’s experience benefiting the team in upcoming matches.
Ranked 69th in FIFA rankings, India is heavily favored against Bhutan, placed 164th. The two nations have met twice before, with India winning both encounters convincingly. Bhutan, however, has shown progress, securing a spot in the semifinals by finishing second in their group.
India’s head coach, Crispin Chettri, acknowledges Bhutan’s improvement and emphasizes the need for his team to maintain focus and play with a winning mentality. Forward Pema Tshering’s form poses a threat that India must address.
India’s team chemistry and attacking prowess have been highlighted as strengths by both the coach and players. Shilky emphasized the team’s unity and adaptation to ground conditions as crucial factors in their success.
In the other semifinal, Nepal will face Bangladesh in an earlier match on the same day.
