Saff Championship: India progress to next round amid vociferous support

The defending champions and Bangladesh were both cheered on loudly

ISLAMABAD: Defending champions India progressed into the semi-finals of the South Asian Football Federation (Saff) Women’s Championship amid loud cheers as they defeated Bangladesh 5-1 at the Jinnah Stadium in Islamabad on Saturday.

The much anticipated match between Group A’s strongest sides turned out to be a one-sided affair as the small but very loud crowd cheered on both India and Bangladesh.

“We came expecting some good football,” spectator Haider Raza told The Express Tribune. “We cheered for both sides, and India played well. It’s important to support the game. We were expecting a tough match, but India outplayed Bangladesh.”

The first half remained goalless but the floodgates opened soon in the second as Umapati Devi scored the opener in the 46^th minute. Mandakani Devi then doubled the lead just two minutes later. Baladevi scored the third in the 57th minute and Indumati made it 4-0 in the 76th. Bangladesh’s solitary goal came from Sabina Khatoon in the 84th minute, but Baladevi completed the scoring four minutes later to make it 5-1.

Bangladesh also make it into the semi-finals on a better goal difference, despite the drubbing.

“We have one more group match to play, so we will look to top the group,” said Indian coach Tarun Roy. “Nepal is our toughest competitor, but we are confident.”

Roy said that the match against Bangladesh cost India a little as captain Bem Bem sustained an ankle injury which might rule her out for Monday's match against Afghanistan.

The coach added that the Saff Championship is a premier event and so far Pakistan have also improved as a team from the previous edition. “Pakistan have improved a lot compared to the last edition,” he said. “Their players are physically fitter than before. In fact, in their match against Nepal they were quite impressive.”

Meanwhile, India’s assistant coach Chitra Gangadharan said that playing in Pakistan is just like playing at home. “The hospitality here is amazing, and there are so many similarities among the people that it is comforting,” said Chitra.

Shedding some light on the status of women’s football in India, both Roy and Gangadharan said that the level of interest in women’s football is improving.

In the other Group A match, Maldives edged past Afghanistan 1-0, with Mariyam Rifa scoring the winner.

 

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