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

After the double delight in the first two matches, India will be eager to register another win.

The Indian U17 Women’s team is set to play the third match of the SAFF U17 Women’s Championship against the hosts, Bhutan. The match will be played on August 24 at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu. It is important for the hosts to put on a good show against the table toppers, as they languish with 0 points so far.

India, after hammering Nepal and Bangladesh, sit at the top of the points table with 6 points in the bag. The last year’s runners-up have the momentum going into the game against Bhutan. However, dropping points might prove costly to India as Bangladesh are in touching distance with three points.

Also Read: India thump Bangladesh to continue the victorious run in SAFF U17 Women’s Championship

The Stakes

India U17

Joakim Alexandersson couldn’t have asked for a better start to the campaign. The Young Tigresses have shown why they are the strongest contender to win the championship. The first two games of the league stage have reflected the sheer talent that is on display. Scoring 7 goals in the first game and two more in the second game, India have harnessed 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 points against Bhutan would see India take a big step towards the title.

Bhutan U17

The match on August 24 would be a battle of extremes. On one hand, there is high-flying India, and on the other, a deflated Bhutan. The hosts have suffered heartbreak against Bangladesh and Nepal, where they competed hard but failed to earn points.

Against Nepal, they took the lead but failed to capitalize and went on to concede goals, leading to a defeat. Against India, the challenge will be stiffer. They would have far fewer chances of scoring goals with the Indian defense unbeaten in the tournament. This will be a do-or-die contest for Bhutan if they want to stay alive in the tournament.

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

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 9 goals in the first two 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, the fans would expect more from her against the hosts. The last match went goalless for Anushka, and that would push her to put more effort against Bhutan.

Sonam Tshogyal

Sonam Tshogyal was the star performer for Bhutan in the last match, 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 the Indian team on their toes. However, India’s defense would not be easy to breach. 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 24. 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.

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