Preview: India face hosts Nepal in SAFF Women's Championship semis

A place in the final will be up for grabs when the two nations meet.

The upcoming semi-final between Nepal and India will be an entertaining clash, to say the least, at the 2022 SAFF Women’s Championships. These two national teams were finalists in the previous edition where the Blue Tigresses won the tournament by a 3-1 scoreline. This time, the scenario is different as both teams will fight it out for a place in the final.

Nepal are the host country and will have the support of the spectators whereas India need to make a comeback after a reality check against Bangladesh in the final group fixture. The Indian women’s team are the reigning champions but Nepalese women will back themselves to cause another upset, especially when Suren Chhetri’s women are recovering from a sapping defeat in their last outing.

The knockout will game will see both teams giving their all to book a place in the final. That is a recipe for a fantastic contest and here is what to expect from Nepal vs India clash in the semi-final of the 2022 SAFF Women’s Championship in Kathmandu, Nepal.

The Stakes

Nepal, being the host, would not like to disappoint the home crowd and seal a place in the final and finally win its first-ever SAFF Women’s Championship trophy. Losing in the final in the previous edition was a difficult blow but the signs are positive this time. The hosts will aim to repeat Bangladesh’s feat of defeating India and causing a huge upset. 

The Indian team are strong favourites for the title, despite an uncharacteristic defeat against Bangladesh in the final group fixture. Since the Blue Tigresses finished second in the group, they are to face a confident Nepal side, that was group toppers in Group B. If the upcoming semi-final ends up in defeat for India, then it will result in a new champion at the SAFF Women’s Championship, as all the previous five editions have been won by the Indian women’s team.

Therefore, the stakes could not be higher for the defending champions and they must respond with a convincing win in the semis.

Probable Lineups:

Nepal: Anjila Subba (GK); Punam Magar, Amrita Jaishi, Sara Limbu, Dipa Shahi, Hira Bhujel, Anita KC, Gita Rana, Amisha Karkil, Rashmi Ghising, Anita Basnet

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

Player to Watch

Amisha Karki (Nepal)

Amisha Karki could be a surprise player who shocks India in the upcoming game. The forward came on as a substitute in the previous game against Sir Lanka and got two goals in a 6-0 victory. She is currently the joint-top scorer with two goals for Nepal at the tournament. Due to her impressive performance in the last outing, the manager could field her in the starting lineup. Indian defence must be wary of the threat she poses whether she starts the game or comes on late as a substitute.

Dangmei Grace (India)

Dangmei Grace will shoulder the responsibility of scoring goals when India faces Nepal. While she was unable to score in the 3-0 defeat to Bangladesh, the striker has three goals for the country in the tournament, second-highest in the team behind Anju Tamang.

The FC Nasaf Qarshi player has a lot of qualities and she can single-handedly change the fortunes of her team. She must deliver in the upcoming clash if the Indian team is to progress into the final.

Did You Know?

• Nepal has finished as runner-up four times in the SAFF Women’s Championship.
• The host nation is yet to concede a single goal at the tournament.
• India’s Soumya Guguloth plays for ZNK Dinamo Zagreb in Croatia.

Telecast

Live streaming of the game will be available on Eleven Sports. The kick-off is scheduled at 5:15 PM on 16 September 2022.