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

India are at the top of the points table with 12 points in four games.

The Indian U17 Women’s team will play against Nepal in their penultimate match of the SAFF U17 Women’s Championship. The match will be played on August 29 at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu. If the Young Tigresses manage to register three more points, they will almost seal the title.

India, after hammering Nepal, Bangladesh, and Bhutan, sit at the top of the points table with 12 points in the bag. Last year’s runners-up are in a lethal form going into the fifth game against Nepal. Joakim Alexandersson’s side would not want to put the guard down before accomplishing the target.

The Stakes

India U17

Joakim Alexandersson would be targeting nothing but the trophy, and the way his team has played so far in the tournament, the trophy is not too far. The Young Tigresses are at the top with an unbeaten record. India have shown why they are the strongest contenders to win the championship.

The first four games of the league stage have reflected the sheer talent that is on display. Scoring a whopping 22 goals in four 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. Not just the attack unit, but India’s defence has also been compact. They have not conceded a single goal so far in the competition, which is an unbelievable stat.

Nepal U17

For Nepal, the campaign has been sombre. They are in third place in the points table with just a solitary win and three points. Against sides like Bangladesh and Indian, Nepal have been outclassed. They have conceded 14 goals, which shows their vulnerability at the back.

When Nepal last faced India, on August 20, the match ended in a heartbreaking 7-0 defeat for the former. The Indian forwards enjoyed their time dictating terms to the opposition defence. On Friday, the first and foremost task for Nepal will be to keep their defensive unit tight so they don’t concede early in the match.

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

Nepal U17

Laxmi Oli (GK), Alija Kumari BK, Gyanshu Dolma Lo, Bhumika Budathoki, Yam Kumari BK, Sahara Limbu, Babtika Karki, Asmita Magar, Anshu BK, Rabina BK, Ashika Karki

Players to watch

Anushka Kumari (India)

With the focus on scoring goals, India would expect the forwards to score some goals. After banging 22 goals in the first four 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. She has scored 7 goals so far in the competition and 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.

Laxmi Oli (Nepal)

The individual between the sticks will be the player to watch out for Nepal. After conceding 14 goals in the tournament so far, the biggest area of improvement for Nepal is their defense. Laxmi Oli, Nepal’s goalkeeper, is going through a tough time.

Her confidence must have taken a massive hit, but on Friday, she will have the chance to redeem herself. An improved performance will do wonders for her confidence going into the last match of the tournament.

When and where to watch SAFF U17 Women’s Championship

The Indian team will face Nepal on August 29. 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 6:00 PM IST.

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