SAFF Women’s Championship 2022: India vs Bangladesh | Match preview

A convincing victory against Maldives has put India in the driver’s seat to finish on top of the table. The winners of this game will face Bhutan in the Semi-final of the 2022 SAFF Women’s Championship. 

The big story

The Blue Tigresses have a rich history in the SAFF Women’s Championship; they have won the championship on all five occasions and look worthy of retaining it this time round as well.

India have scored 12 goals in two games and are yet to concede a goal. Anuja Tamang scored four goals against Maldives in their previous game. Dangmei Grace netted the ball twice, while Priyangka Devi, Soumya Guguloth and Kashmina scored one goal each. It is seeming difficult for any opposition to contain the Indian juggernaut.

The upcoming game against Bangladesh is the final game of the group stage. Bangladesh also won their games against Pakistan and Maldives. Both teams would focus on finishing strong, which would add to the teams’ morale.

The two sides have locked horns on seven occasions. India have emerged victorious on six out of seven times. After the first two matches, the Indian team’s confidence may prove too much for the Bengal Tigresses.

Match details

Match: India vs Bangladesh
Venue: Dashrath Rangasala Stadium, Kathmandu, Nepal
Date: 13 September 2022
Time: 05:15 PM IST
Where to watch: Elevensports.com

Probable playing XIs

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

Bangladesh: Rupna Chakma (GK), Sheuli Azim, Shamsunnahar, M Akhi Khatun, Masura Parvin, Monika Chakma, Sanjida Akhter, Maria Manda, Srimoti Sarkar, Mosammat Shopna, Sabina Khatun

Players to watch out for

India: Dangmei Grace, Anju Tamang, Soumya Gugoloth

Bangladesh: Sabina Khatun, Monika, Shopna 

Anju Tamang was in sensational form against Maldives. She scored four goals in a 9-0 win, indicating India’s quality in the attacking department. The 26-year-old is a midfield maestro who is technically strong and uses the ball according to her will. Giving her space in the midfield can prove extremely expensive. Her chemistry with Dangmei Grace is very threatening, one that can produce multiple scoring opportunities.