India aim to kick off Women's Tri-Nation Tournament campaign with win against Iran in Shillong

Both India and Iran have made it to AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026.

Amidst the misty hills of Shillong, the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, standing tall at 4000 feet above sea level gears up to host the opening clash of the Tri Nations Friendly tournament between the Indian Women’s football team and Iran Women’s football team.

Both teams made it to the AFC Asian Cup after topping their respective groups in the qualifier round. This tournament serves as a golden opportunity for Crispin Chhetri and his girls to test their preparations ahead of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 in March.

The Stakes

India Women

Indian Women’s Team were the sole undefeated team of Group B and emerged as the table toppers to make it to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026. Despite being placed alongside a relatively stronger team like Thailand, Sangita Basfore’s brace in the decider was enough to seal India’s spot in Australia.

The two time runners up of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in 1979 and 1983 are leaving no stone unturned, in what we call their resurgence period to restore their old golden days in Asian football. After a mid-table finish in the 2025 Pink Ladies Cup, the women’s team went on to score 24 goals in 4 games to top Group B.

However, the women’s team have been out of action since July after the qualifier campaign and the delay in the Indian Women’s League further worsened the situation. The Tri Nations Tournament presents a golden opportunity for Crispin Chhetri’s girls to test their strength and weaknesses to gear up for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 and also redeem India’s FIFA World Cup dreams.

Iran Women

The Persian Ladies began the year after settling for a silver medal in the Turkish Women’s Cup 2025 behind Puerto Rico. Iran qualified for AFC Women’s Asian Cup for two back to back editions after topping Group A alongside Jordan, Bhutan, Singapore and Lebanon.

In the last edition of Women’s Asian Cup, Iran and India were drawn in the same group. After India pulled out, Iran faced two heavy defeats from China and Chinese Taipei and conceded 12 goals in two games.

In the upcoming edition, they have been drawn in the toughest group alongside hosts Australia and defending runners up South Korea. They are being led by gaffer Marziyeh Jafari, who is also one of the most decorated coaches in Iran women’s footballing history.

Iran, similar to India, last featured in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers. The Persian Ladies would be keen to make the most of their time in Shillong to win the Tri Nations Cup.

Team News

Crispin Chhetri will most likely prefer his winning combination for the all important opener against Iran. The away team will also field a strong team, which shall include most of the players from the qualifier campaign.

Head-to-Head Record

India and Iran last played in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup back in 2022 and the game ended in a goalless draw at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.

Predicted Lineup

India (4-2-3-1):

Elangbam Panthoi (GK), Sanju, Nirmala Devi, Shilky Devi, Martina Thokchom, Anju Tamang, Sangita Basfore, Dangmei Grace, Rimpa Haldar, Manisha Kalyan, Pyari Xaxa

Players to Watch

Sangita Basfore (India)

The 29 year old Indian midfielder from Kalyani has been appointed as the vice captain after her terrific performance in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers. Her brace in the decider against hosts Thailand was enough to seal India’s spot in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup.

The Kalyani midfielder reiterated that the dream has always been to take India to the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 and that AFC Women’s Asian Cup presents a rare golden opportunity for the Blue Tigresses to cherish the nation’s FIFA World Cup dreams.

Apart from that brace against Thailand, she also scored against Mongolia and Iraq. At 29, she already won major trophies including the IWL with Rising Student’s Club and the Women’s CFL with SSB Women. She was also part of the Indian squad that won the SAFF Women’s Championship and the South Asian Games.

Zahra Ghanbari (Iran)

The 33 year old veteran Iranian centre forward was in sublime form for Iran in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers. She scored against Singapore and Bhutan and has previously scored over 20 goals for the Iran women’s football team.

After playing in Iraq, she represented Bam Khatoon in the 2024-25 AFC Women’s Champions League, who made it to the quarter finals before being knocked out by Incheon Red Angels from South Korea.

Did you know?

• India played a goalless draw against Iran in their last encounter in 2022.
• India and Iran qualified for AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026.
• Iran have been drawn alongside Australia, South Korea and Philippines in Group A of Women’s Asian Cup.

Telecast Details

The Tri Nations Friendly clash between India and Iran will happen on Monday, 20 October 2025 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong.

The match will kick off at 6:00 PM IST. It will be streamed live on FIFA+.

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