Kathmandu, Oct 24 (IANS) Head coach Santosh Kashyap said that the team is ready to come out stronger after the India lost 3-1 to Bangladesh in a crucial group-stage match of the SAFF Women’s Championship 2024 at the Dasharath Stadium.
Supporters filled opposite ends of the stadium, creating an electric backdrop for the high-stake clash. But as the final whistle blew, it was only the Bangladesh fans, who were left applauding their team’s 3-1 victory.
The scenes were similar to those of the 2022 SAFF Women’s Championship, where India suffered a 3-0 defeat to Bangladesh.
“Both the teams played fantastic and played high-standard football. We were unlucky as we missed so many chances. In the second half, we dominated the game but still, we lost, it’s a part of the game,” head coach Santosh Kashyap said after the match.
“I had the privilege to qualify before the match for the semi-finals. So I experimented with some tactical changes and I am successful in that. The story could have been different if we did not concede those silly goals,” he said.
India women entered the match hungry to reclaim their glory, but the contest unfolded in a way few anticipated. Three back-to-back goals from Bangladesh in the first half were enough to break India’s rhythm. India, momentarily stunned after the first two goals, sought to regroup, but before they could regain their footing, disaster struck again. Midfielder Anju Tamang went down with an ankle injury, forcing her off the field and dealing a heavy blow to India’s attacking options. The morale of the team came down from that moment itself.
“Anju’s chance is difficult. She got a jerk in the knee and then hit back again in the ankle. So it looks serious. We will examine and come to know,” said the coach.
Bala Devi, showing her captain’s spirit, rose to the occasion and nodded the ball into the net to reduce the deficit. It was a moment of hope amidst the storm, a spark that suggested a second-half comeback might still be possible. But it did not.
As the final whistle blew, the scoreboard read 3-1 in favour of Bangladesh. The result cemented their position atop Group A, while India settled for the runners-up spot.
“I am confident I am not talking about the previous five years we won. I feel the girls have improved a lot. If we face Nepal in the semi-final, the home team is another challenge for us as the crowd will be there. But we are confident and we will try our best to reach the final and win,” he said.
For India, the loss was a bitter reminder of 2022, yet their journey to come back stronger continued. With a place in the semi-finals, the Blue Tigresses would now need to regroup and find a way to overcome the setbacks in their three training sessions, as they set their sights on reclaiming the SAFF crown.
–IANS
hs/bc
Disclaimer
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by BhaskarLive.in and while we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.
Through this website you are able to link to other websites which are not under the control of BhaskarLive.in We have no control over the nature, content and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.
Every effort is made to keep the website up and running smoothly. However, BhaskarLive.in takes no responsibility for, and will not be liable for, the website being temporarily unavailable due to technical issues beyond our control.
For any legal details or query please visit original source link given with news or click on Go to Source.
Our translation service aims to offer the most accurate translation possible and we rarely experience any issues with news post. However, as the translation is carried out by third part tool there is a possibility for error to cause the occasional inaccuracy. We therefore require you to accept this disclaimer before confirming any translation news with us.
If you are not willing to accept this disclaimer then we recommend reading news post in its original language.
