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

India and Bangladesh have won their opening fixtures.

The first day of the SAFF U17 Women’s Championship saw two of the most successful sides in the tournament announce their arrival. India registered a crushing victory over Nepal as they won with 7-1, whereas the defending champions Bangladesh thrashed the hosts Bhutan, securing a 3-1 win. After securing a stunning start to the campaign, India and Bangladesh will meet each other on August 22, at the Changlimithang Stadium.

This will be a repeat of last year’s final. The Indian team will be eager to avenge the loss in the final as they look to continue the momentum this year. Both teams would be approaching the match with a mentality to win as each game matters.

Also Read: India off to a flying start in SAFF U17 Women’s Championship with a 7-0 win over Nepal

The Stakes

India U17

The Joakim Alexandersson side destroyed Nepal in the first match. Team India’s attack worked wonders with multiple players registering a brace. The test will now be to continue the momentum. When they take the field against Bangladesh on Friday, the girls will aim to put on a good show. Bangladesh, along with India, are the strongest side in this tournament.

If India manage to achieve three points, they would find themselves in a pole position to clinch the tournament as it is being played in a league format. The Indian forwards would have a complex task of breaking Bangladesh’s defense, and ahead of the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Championship, Alexandersson would want to test his team against strong opponents.

Bangladesh U17

The SAFF U17 Women’s Championship defending champions have started the tournament where they left off last year. Bangladesh’s opening fixture was a statement win, indicating that they would be no pushovers. As a team, Bangladesh have made huge gains, and it is also visible in how their U17 side plays.

There were no jitters for the defending champions in the match against the hosts. They looked comfortable from the outset, pushing Bhutan deep into their half. However, against India, it would not be easy to dictate the play and that will be the biggest challenge.

Team News

Both teams will have their full squad available for this game.

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

Bangladesh U17

Rani Roy (GK), Arifa Akter, Shiuly Roy, Arpita Biswas, Alpi Akter, Ulma Kulsum, Mamoni Chakma, Thuinuye Marma, Kranuching Marma, Momita Khatun, Akanda Prity

Player to watch

Anushka Kumari (India)

With the focus on scoring goals, India would expect the forwards to score some goals in the game against Bangladesh. 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, the fans would expect more from her against a tougher opponent.

Akanda Prity (Bangladesh)

Just like India, Bangladesh were lethal in front of the goal. A big credit for this impressive performance should go to Akanda Prity. The talented forward had an amazing match. She created chances and converted as well to make things worse for Bhutan.

Prity kept the Bhutan defense under constant pressure and took the advantage when they relented. Against India, Bangladesh would want their prodigy to fire again.

When and where to watch SAFF U17 Women’s Championship?

The Indian team will face Bangladesh on August 22. 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 2:30 PM IST.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.