NEW DELHI: The Indian senior women’s national team will clash swords against Bangladesh in another must-win match on February 13 (Saturday) if the India are to progress to the final of the 12th South Asian Games, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong.
The kick-off is slated for IST 4pm.
In fact, in Guwahati, the U-23 Men will also face Bangladesh in the semifinal of the men’s competition on the day.
India are third in the Group Standings courtesy five points out of a possible nine, whereas Bangladesh are second and need only a draw to progress to the Final of the Competition.
Despite dominating all three matches in terms of possession and shots on target, the Indian Women have been able to garner only one win, as the ‘Women in Blue’ stay victims to uncanny play in the final third. Come tomorrow, the Indian Women have to pull up their socks and deliver a sterling performance if they are to progress to the Final.
Head Coach of the Indian Women’s Senior National Team, Sajid Dar agrees and explains: “It is a do-or-die match for us. We should’ve secured our spot in the Final by now, but here we are and with Bangladesh needing only a point, it will be the toughest match for us thus far in the Group Stages as we expect them to defend deep.”
“We have played quality Football in our fixtures but if you don’t take your chances in Football results will not come your way. Against Bangladesh we have to win. It does not matter if we play attractive Football or not, the bottom-line is that we have to have a win,” Dar added.
Bangladesh are known for their defensive style of play and with the Bangladeshi Women needing just a point to progress, the onus will be on the Indian Women to go all out.
“We have to take our chances against Bangladesh. We just have to score in order to win,” quipped Bembem Devi. “We are here because of our inability to score upfront. But we still have a shot at the Finals and we will give it our cent percent to grab a win.”
“Everybody needs to remain cool and focus on the task at hand,” she added.
The Indian Women will also be without the services of Forward Dangmei Grace, who was injured in the clash against Nepal. “Grace’s injury is a big loss for us. She was at the peak of her form and hence, it upsets our plans a bit,” Sajid Dar said.
