New Delhi (India), December 29: The Indian women’s football team will play two FIFA international friendlies against the Maldives at the Padukone Dravid Sports Excellence Center in Bengaluru, according to Olympic.com.
India is ranked 69th in the women’s soccer FIFA rankings, while the Maldives women’s soccer team is ranked 163rd in the world. Both teams competed in the 2024 SAFF Championship earlier this year, but were in separate groups and never faced each other. IND 5-2 PAK, SAFF Championship 2024: Indian women’s soccer team defeats Pakistan as Bala Devi, Jyoti, Manisha Kalyan and Grace Dhanmay score.
India’s last international match ended in a disappointing result as they lost 3-1 to Bangladesh in the group stage before losing on penalties to Nepal in the SAFF Championship semi-finals. On the other hand, the Maldives endured a difficult season, suffering a crushing defeat to Bhutan 0-13 and losing to Nepal 0-11 and being eliminated from the group stage. The Blue Tigres last played against the Maldives in 2021, winning comfortably 3-1.
India’s Swedish head coach Joakim Alexandersson has named a 23-man squad for the two friendlies. Although the team is mainly made up of young players, there are also a few experienced campaigners like Sangita Basfour, Grace Dhanmei and Piyali Saxa. Captain Asharata Devi is not part of the team. Why was the India vs Nepal SAFF Women’s Championship 2024 match suspended for over an hour? Watch the video of the disallowed goal that led to players’ protests.
Goalkeeper: Hempriya Seram, Maibum Rinsoingambi Devi, Nandini
Defenders: Aruna Bagh, Juhi Singh, Juri Kishan, Sangita Basfour, Sanju, Shivani Toppo, Sorokaivam Ranjana Chanu, Toyjam Toibisana Chanu, Vikshit Bala.
Midfielders: Grace Danmei, Kajol D’Souza, Neha, Nongmeikapam Shibani Devi, Nitu Linda, Rinpa Haldar.
Forwards: Linda Kim, Linda Kom Selt, Pooja, Pyari Saksa, Simran Gurung.
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