After the AIFF drama, India’s senior women’s national team will start their campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan in the SAFF Women’s Championship 2022 at the Dashrath Rangasala Stadium in Kathmandu, Nepal. Pakistan’s women’s team will return to action after an eight-year gap caused due to recurring FIFA bans on the Pakistan Football Federation. India and Pakistan are drawn in Group A, which also features Bangladesh and Maldives. 

The Indian team consist of high-profile players such as Grace Dangmei, who recently joined Uzbekistan club FC Nasaf, Aditi Chauhan, the Indian goalkeeper who also plays for Gokulam Kerala, and Soumya Guguloth, who has recently signed a contract with ŽNK Dinamo Zagreb.

The Blue Tigresses have won 9 out of the previous 10 games and look like favourites to extend their winning streak in a fixture that holds immense importance.

The Pakistan team, on the other hand, feature Nadia Khan, who plays for Doncaster Rovers Belles Ladies in England. Khan will be the first British-Pakistani to represent Pakistan. Her experience in European football is a serious threat to India. The 21-year-old can play in the midfield as well as a false nine. 

Also Read – Aditi Chauhan exclusive: The journey, the lessons, the initiatives, and the road ahead

India’s SAFF Women’s Championship 2022 schedule

September 7, Wednesday: India vs Pakistan – 12:45 PM IST
September 10, Friday: Maldives vs India – 5:15 PM IST
September 13, Tuesday: India vs Bangladesh – 5:15 PM IST
September 16, Friday
Semi-final 1 – 12:45 PM IST
Semi-final 2 – 12:45 PM IST
September 19, Monday: Final – 4:45 PM IST 
Where to watch: Elevensports.com 

Probable playing XIs

India: Aditi Chauhan (GK), Ashalata Devi, Sweety Devi, Ritu Rani, Manisa Panna, Anju Tamang, Priyangka Devi, Martina Thokchom, Dangmei Grace, Apurna Narzary, Soumya Guguloth

Pakistan: Syeda Mahpara (GK), Malika-E-Noor, Sahar Zaman, Shanza Nazir, Sara Khan, Maria Khan, Hajra Khan, Maliha Nasir, Zulfia Nazir, Nadia Khan, Roshnan Ali

Players to watch out for

India: Dangmei Grace, Soumya Guguloth
Pakistan: Nadia Khan, Maliha Nasir