India vs Bhutan Preview, team news, lineups & prediction | SAFF U17 Women's Championship

India are at the top of the points table with 9 points in three games.

The Indian U17 Women’s team is set to play Bhutan again, in their fourth match of the SAFF U17 Women’s Championship. The match will be played on August 27 at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu. If the Young Tigresses manage to register three more points, they will have one hand on the trophy.

India, after hammering Nepal, Bangladesh, and Bhutan, sit at the top of the points table with 9 points in the bag. The last year’s runners-up have the momentum going into the fourth game, against Bhutan. However, India cannot afford to drop points with Bangladesh catching up.

The Stakes

India U17

Joakim Alexandersson couldn’t have asked for a better start to the campaign. At the halfway mark, India are at the top with an unbeaten record. The Young Tigresses have shown why they are the strongest contenders to win the championship. The first two games of the league stage have reflected the sheer talent that is on display. Scoring a whopping 17 goals in the three games, India have harnessed and established their goalscoring potential

The forwards have been on target on most of the occasions, instilling a belief in the fans of an impressive campaign in the upcoming AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers. However, Alexandersson would not want to take his foot off the accelerator as the league format demands consistency. 3 more points against Bhutan on August 27 would see India take a big step towards the title.

Bhutan U17

After facing a shameful defeat against India on the 24th, Bhutan will have to muster the courage to face the same opposition again. The hosts are virtually knocked out of the competition with three consecutive losses. However, they still have a lot to play for. Their pride is on the line, and an improved outing against India will boost their morale.

The biggest challenge for Bhutan will be to contain India. The Indian attack has been the deadliest in this competition, with 17 goals to their name. Bhutan will have to focus a lot more on defending to make sure they are not blown away.

Probable Lineups

India U17

Munni (GK), Taniya Devi Tonamabam, Alena Devi Sarangthem, Julan Nongmaithem, Alysha Lyngdoh, Binita Horo, Divyani Linda, Abhista Basnett, Shveta Rani, Anushka Kumari, Elizabed Lakra

Bhutan U17

Kelzang Wangmo (GK), Sonam Choden, Tenzin Lhazom, Pema Dekar, Tshering Lhamo, Rinzin Dema Choden, Dechen Dolkar, Sonam Yangchen, Ugyen Tshomo, Kuenden Sonam Tshogyel, Chorten Zangmo

Players to watch

Anushka Kumari (India)

With the focus on scoring goals, India would expect the forwards to score some goals. After banging 17 goals in the first three games, this will be an opportunity to add more to the tally. The momentum will be with India if they manage to put some goals on the scoresheet.

Anushka Kumari is one of the key forwards for the team with the ability to take on opposition defenders. With a brace in the opener against Nepal, and against the hosts Bhutan, the fans would want her to continue the form. Her goalscoring form will be crucial for India in the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers.

Sonam Tshogyal

Sonam Tshogyal was the star performer for Bhutan against Nepal. She was the one who gave the lead to Bhutan with a brilliant header. Her presence in the box gave Nepal defenders a tough time. The ability to find goalscoring chances out of nothing would keep India on their toes. However, India’s defense has been impregnable in the tournament, posing a big challenge for Sonam. The contest between Tshogyal and the Indian defenders would be one of the key aspects of this game.

When and where to watch SAFF U17 Women’s Championship

The Indian team will face Bhutan on August 27. The fans will be able to catch up with the live streaming of the SAFF U17 Women’s Asian Championship on the Sportzworkz YouTube Channel at 5:30 PM IST.

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