The Senior Indian Women’s national team will host the Nepal Women’s national team in an international friendly match scheduled to be played on February 18, 2023. The fixture will be staged at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai from 7:30 PM IST.
As per the All India Football Federation (AIFF) authorities, the two teams are scheduled to play two friendly matches in four days as a part of The Blue Tigresses’ preparations for the upcoming AFC Olympic Qualifiers First Round, which will be held in April this year.
The first of these two games took place on Wednesday, February 15, at the same venue. The encounter concluded in an entertaining 2-2 draw, with the hosts squandering their two-goal advantage in the dying moments of regulation time.
The #BlueTigresses 🐯 end up sharing the spoils with Nepal in the first friendly in Chennai.
— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) February 15, 2023
We go again on Saturday!👊#INDNEP ⚔️ #BackTheBlue 💙 #BlueTigresses 🐯 #ShePower 👧 #IndianFootball ⚽ pic.twitter.com/1NUGwSKpVF
Following a goalless first half, the home team broke the deadlock in the 56th minute with half-time substitutes Manisha Kalyan and Soumya Guguloth combining for the goal. Guguloth put the ball in the back of the net from a tight angle after a superb cross by her teammate from the left flank.
Hometown star Indumathi Kathiresan doubled the advantage shortly after with a cool finish to make it 2-0.
Nonetheless, Sabitra Bhandari, Nepal’s all-time top goal-scorer, came to her side’s rescue with a brace towards the end of the clash, including a well-taken penalty.
Following the performance, there were plenty of positive takeaways ahead of the second match even though a lapse in concentration cost India a victory. However, head coach Thomas Dennerby was left unimpressed with the result and expressed his thoughts on the team’s outing.
"Very disappointed with the result. Lack of discipline cost us the win."
— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) February 15, 2023
🇮🇳 Coach Thomas Dennerby shares his thoughts on the #BlueTigresses' draw with Nepal 🗣️#INDNEP ⚔️ #BackTheBlue 💙 #ShePower 👧 #IndianFootball ⚽ pic.twitter.com/y4b2ZXZnCV
The two friendlies are expected to give India much-needed game-time for the all-important AFC Olympic Qualifiers First Round where The Blue Tigresses are slotted with Kyrgyz Republic and Turkmenistan in Group G.
Where to watch India Women vs Nepal Women international friendly live in India?
Live streaming of the India Women vs Nepal Women international friendly will be available on the FanCode app and website.
There will be no telecast of the India Women vs Nepal Women international friendly in India.
Photo credit: Alamy
