Stage set for SAFF Women’s Championship: ANFA

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Oct. 16: The preparations for the SAFF Women’s Championship have been completed, the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) informed.

Speaking with the journalists at a press conference at ANFA Complex on Tuesday, ANFA spokesperson Suresh Shah informed that the tournament, in which seven SAARC countries are participating, will be hosted by Dasharath Rangasala from October 17 to 30.

Nepal is hosting Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka with the seven teams divided into two groups. India, Bangladesh and Pakistan make up Group A and Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Maldives are in Group B.

The top two teams from the groups after playing in a single round-robin format will progress to the semi-finals. 

Pakistan and India are opening the tournament on Thursday at 5:30 pm. Bangladesh vs Pakistan and Bangladesh vs India on October 20 and 23 respectively will mark the end of Group A matches.

On the other hand, host Nepal will play their first group match on October 18 against Bhutan at 5:30 pm. Sri Lanka vs Maldives at 3:30 pm will be the first game of the day.

Nepal then faces the Maldives and Sri Lanka on October 21 and 24 respectively.

“Of the two players playing in foreign leagues, Rekha Poudel has returned from Saudi. Sabitra Bhandari (Samba) is coming on October 20 and might be available in the match against the Maldives,” said Sanjeev Mishra of ANFA.

Of the six visiting teams, Pakistan, Maldives, Bangladesh and India arrived by Tuesday while Bhutan is landing in Kathmandu Wednesday morning.

“The teams have been provided four grounds at ANFA Complex, Bhadrakali-based Nepali Army HQ and Lagankhel and ST. Xaviers College for training,” ANFA stated.

Similarly, the ANFA will not be charging entry fees for children aged below 10 years throughout the tournament.

“In Group Stage, VIP parapet will cost Rs. 500 and general will cost Rs. 300. During the knockouts, VIP tickets will cost Rs. 1,000 while general will cost Rs. 500. The ticket price is for a match day,” said Mishra.

The ANFA has estimated a budget of Rs. 40.06 million (USD 308,160) for the tournament.