India take on Hertha BSC Frauen in closed-door friendly in Türkiye

India continues its Türkiye tour, preparing for AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026

The India women’s football team are set to play their fourth match of the extended Türkiye tour when they face off against the German side Hertha BSC Frauen side on Monday (February 2) at the S&B Sport Football Complex, Serik in an unofficial friendly.

The Blue Tigresses look to raise their momentum levels ahead of the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup competition by performing to their best against the German side, who will pose as a sturdy rival in the upcoming clash.

The Stakes

India

The India women’s side played out a draw in the previous game in the Türkiye preparatory camp, being held to a stalemate by the Spartak Moscow women’s team. That is probably why Amelia Valverde will be even more eager to learn more about her new side and get them firing on all cylinders ahead of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup.

She will look to urge the Indian players to maintain a sturdy defensive line to frustrate the German side, while also being prolific and quick on the counterattacks to torment their opponents. A win for India will definitely be a morale raiser for the women players, but another draw or a loss can cause frustrations to creep up within the squad.

Hertha BSC Frauen

Hertha BSC currently plays in the third division of the Women’s Football Scene in Germany, as they finished in second place in the division in the 2024-25 campaign. Irrespective, there are some highly talented German footballers in their squad, who will definitely look to take the fight to the Indian side in the upcoming match.

The Hertha BSC Frauen side will look to neutralize the Indian side’s attacking prowess by maintaining a rock-solid defensive set-up, while also hitting them with dangerous counter-attacking opportunities as well. A win against the Indian national women’s team will be huge for the Hertha BSC Frauen side, while a loss can feel particularly bitter as well.

Team News

Amelia Valverde has travelled to the Turkey preparatory camp with a fully fit squad at her disposal.

The Hertha BSC Frauen side should also have a healthy squad of players available for the next game.

Head-to-Head

This will be the first-ever meeting between India and the Hertha BSC Frauen side in women’s football.

Predicted Lineups

India (4-2-3-1):

Panthoi Chanu (GK), Kiran Pisda, Shilky Devi, Ranjana Chanu, Martina Thokchom, Sangita Basfore, Ratanbala Devi, Priyadhashini Selladurai, Manisha Kalyan, Dangmei Grace, Pyari Xaxa

Hertha BSC (4-2-3-1):

Inga Buchholz (GK), Nora Giannori, Clara Dreher, Laura Peters, Mieke Schiemann, Marleen Rodhe, Elina Frieauff, Aurelia Haesler, Mona Sarr, Elfie Wellhausen, Johanna Seifert

Also Read: Indian senior women’s team play out thrilling draw against WFC Spartak Moscow

Player to Watch

Pyari Xaxa (India)

Pyari Xaxa has turned into quite an important player for the Indian women’s team, having scored 18 goals in 39 appearances for the Blue Tigresses so far. She memorably scored five goals in a single game in India’s 13-0 thrashing of Mongolia in the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers last year and has the potent of being a menacing figure for any opposition side.

Xaxa will look to raise her momentum levels with a positive performance in the upcoming friendly match, as she looks to torment the Hertha BSC Frauen defenders with her movement and link-up play. The 28-year-old forward will also look to get at the end of chances smartly, finishing them off with grace and helping her side get a big win.

Did you know?

• India won five of their 12 matches in 2025, out of which four were in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers.
• Hertha BSC Frauen finished in second place in the German women’s third division in the 2024-25 season.
• Amelia Valverde has managed the Costa Rican Women’s Team in her career.

Telecast Details

The India vs Hertha BSC Frauen match will take place on Monday, February 2 (2026). It will kick off at 5:30 PM IST. It is expected to be a closed-doors friendly match with no telecast.

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