SAFF Women’s Championship starts today

By Anjan Khadka

Kathmandu, Sept 6 : Nepal looks to end the title drought at SAFF Women’s Championship as the regional tournament will kick off at Dasarath Stadium, Kathmandu on Tuesday.

Host Nepal will take on Bhutan in the inaugural match of the sixth edition of the championship at local time 17:30.

With home ground advantage, Nepal also banks on the prolific striker Sabitra Bhandari (Samba), who is making comeback to the national team after recovering from an injury.

Addressing the pre-match conference, Coach Kumar Thapa said that he was hopeful of winning the title of the regional championship.

"We got seven weeks for the preparation. I am fully satisfied with the preparation time. The team has been formed very well. We will win the title at home improving all our previous mistakes.”

"We aim to bring some change in the women's team so that the point of view of public changes. The team is perfect after the good combination of new faces and old players," Coach Thapa added.

He included Samikshya Ghimire, Dipa Shahi, and Amisha Karki as the new faces of the team.  

“My girls are tactically, technically, and mentally ready for the championship. We will win the opening match against Bhutan.”

Altogether seven teams from South Asia are taking part in the championship. Nepal, Bhutan, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Maldives, and Sri Lanka are competing in the event.

Host Nepal has been drawn into the easier group alongside Bhutan and Sri Lanka. Defending champions India are pitted against Pakistan, Bangladesh and Maldives in Group A.

Nepal went close to the title four times but every time it was India who finished superior to win the title. Nepal suffered a 3-1 defeat at the hands of India in the last edition of the championship held in Biratnagar in 2019. During the fourth edition, Nepal could not make it through the semi-finals.  

South Asian Regional football powerhouse India has lifted the title of all five editions of the championship.

India, whose participation was uncertain due to the FIFA ban, is in Nepal without key players.

"Our preparation for the championship was disturbed by the FIFA ban. Our main goal is to participate in the tournament. Some of our key players are absent here,” Indian Coach Suren Chhetri said.

Indian Captain Loitongbam Ashalata Devi said that her team did not have enough time for the preparation. “We are waiting for the championship for a long time. We are confident about defending the title. We want to move forward, forgetting everything that happened to Indian football recently. Now, we are focused only on the championship."

 Bhutan ready for the opening clash

Bhutan, who came two weeks ago to acclimatize, is hopeful to perform best against Nepal in the opening match. Assistant coach Tank Maya Ghale said that the preparation for the tournament was good and ready for the opening clash.

Bhutani Captain Pemba Chhiring hoped her team, dominated by youth players, perform well against Nepal. “A couple of tune-up matches played in Kathmandu gave exposure to our players. That certainly will help us a lot in the tournament,” Chhiring added.

Similarly, Bangladesh’s Coach Golam Rabbani Choton said his girls had worked hard for the championship. “We are in good condition and ready for the opener against the Maldives. The first win would be vital to boosting our morale. I have been looking at the team for a long time. We have won a few titles in the age group. We are confident in giving a good fight in Kathmandu.”

Bangladesh Captain Sabina Khatun said that they were back on the international stage after the covid-19 pandemic. "We respect all the teams. We have a balanced team. Many players of the team have been playing for a long time.”

 Return of Pakistan at int'l arena 

Pakistan team captain Maria Khan was glad to be back in the international arena after eight years.  

"We are preparing for the last six weeks. We are waiting for the Thursday clash. All the teammates are excited to return with a positive vibe. We will try our best in the all matches of the group stage," Captain Khan said.

Pakistan Coach Adeel Rizki said that they have capable players in the squad. Some of the Pakistani players have played in England and the United Arab Emirates.

Minister for Youth and Sports Maheshwor Jung Gahatraj will inaugurate the Championship that is organized for the second time in Nepal.