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

India would be hungry to bring the trophy back after last year’s debacle.

The Indian U17 Women’s team is up for the challenge in the SAFF U17 Women’s Asian Championship as they look to start the tournament on a positive note against Nepal. India will play Nepal on August 20 at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu.

The Indian team will be led by Joakim Alexandersson, the man who has received adulation after he led the India U20 Women’s team to the U20 AFC Women’s Asian Cup after almost two decades. After the recent success, Alexandersson has another crucial task at hand. The Indian team is preparing for the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup. Before the Asian assignment, this will be a great dress rehearsal for the team to gear up and bolster their preparations.

The Stakes

India U17

It is important for the Indian team to set the tone right for the SAFF U17 Women’s Asian Championship, and for that, they will have to pull off a result in this game. Nepal were the champions in 2022, and Joakim Alexandersson would be mindful of their potential. The Indian team has a lot of talented youngsters, raring to go. If they are successful in giving their campaign a good start, the camp will be confident ahead of a tricky clash against last year’s champions, Bangladesh.

Nepal U17

The last year was not impressive for Nepal. A string of disappointing results plagued their morale, but they will be coming to this tournament knowing they can script something special if they play to their potential. In the last edition, Nepal could only win one match in the tournament, resulting in their elimination from the group stage. They have an opportunity to improve their record and prove that they can compete at this level.

Team News

Both teams will have their full squad available for their campaign opener.

Probable Lineups

India U17

Surajmuni Kumari (GK), Alena Devi Sarangthem, Alisha Lyngdoh, Binita Horo, Divyani Linda, Abhista Basnett, Anita Dungdung, Beena Kumari, Bonifilia Shullai,

Player to watch

Anushka Kumari (India)

With the focus on scoring goals, India would expect the forwards to score some goals in the opener against Nepal. 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. The fans would expect some finesse from her in front of the goal.

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

The Indian team will face Nepal on August 20. 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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