Preview: India take on Maldives in SAFF Women's Championship 2022

The Blue Tigresses are yet to face defeat against the opponents of this fixture.

The 2022 SAFF Women’s Championship is underway in Kathmandu, Nepal. Following a strong first outing, the Indian football team will be back in action against the Maldives on 10 September 2022. For the Maldives, it will be an uphill battle since reigning champions India are strong favourites on paper and will hope to carry their momentum after winning their opener against Pakistan.

However, the game of football has a tendency to cause an upset in tournaments like these in particular. The battle between “David and Goliath” in Group A of the SAFF Women’s Championship is building a lot of hype amongst the fans of both nations.

Here is what to expect from the 2022 SAFF Women’s Championship clash between the Maldives and India:

The Stakes

For the Maldives, an opening day 0-3 defeat against Bangladesh was a harsh start to their campaign. They will aim to limit Indian attacks and have a chance for themselves in counter-attacking opportunities. Avoiding defeat will be a major achievement for the team, with all due respect. 

Indian women’s team are the outright favourites to win the title. They won the opening contest against Pakistan by a 3-0 score with plenty of chances of registering more goals. Five-time winners of this trophy and the defending champions will be looking at securing a knockout berth by winning the forthcoming clash against the Maldives.

Head-to-head

Maldives and India have faced each other six times prior to this encounter. The Blue Tigresses have won on five occasions. The other fixture ended in a draw.

Probable Line-ups

Maldives: Aminath Leeza (GK), Aishath Raveena, Shahula Thaufeeq, Mariyam Noora, Hawwa Haneefa, Shahfa Shiuth, Raniya Ibrahim, Maeesha Hannan, Fathimath Adam, Fathimath Theeba, Fathimath Saina.

India: Aditi Chauhan(GK), Ashalata Devi, Manisa Panna, Ratanbala Devi, Ranjana Chanu, Margaret Castanha, Anju Tamang, Priyangka Devi, Renu, Sandhiya Ranganathan, Dangmei Grace.

Player to Watch 

Aminath Leeza (Maldives)

Aminath Leeza is the captain of the team and the goalkeeper will be a key figure against India. Since the opposition will likely dominate possession and create scoring opportunities aplenty, Leeza must deliver for the team.

She will be responsible for organising her defence and commanding the box. The Maldives as a team must provide her support while defending as well.

Dangmei Grace (India)

Dangmei Grace plays club football for Uzbekistan’s FC Nasaf Qarshi. She is a sensational striker who was amongst the scorers against Pakistan. Her movement and finishing qualities are impeccable and the Maldives will have their hands full with her.

The 26-year-old is already a two-time SAFF Championship winner in 2016 and 2019. It will be difficult for the Maldives to keep her silent. 

Did you know?

• In the 2014 Asian Games, India beat Maldives by 15-0.
• India has won all of the previous SAFF Women’s Championships.
• Maldives are yet to defeat India.
• Aditi Chauhan once played for West Ham United in England.
• A few days back Dangmei Grace scored her debut goal for FC Nasaf Qarshi.

Telecast

Live streaming of the 2022 SAFF Women’s Championship will be available on Eleven Sports.