The Indian women's football team returns to action for the first time since the Asian Cup catastrophe earlier this year, with an international friendly against lower-ranked Egypt here on Wednesday.
After failing to field a team owing to a COVID-19 epidemic inside its bio-bubble in Mumbai, the national team was forced to withdraw from the AFC Asian Cup group stage, which India hosted in January-February.
The encounter against Egypt, ranked 95th in the world, at the Prince Mohammed Stadium will be their first since that setback. From the Asian Cup, the team hoped to qualify for the FIFA World Cup in 2023.
Currently, India's team is rated 59th in the world. Thomas Dennerby, the head coach of the Indian women's team, believes that the team's performance after a break will be crucial.
“It promises to be a good game, against Egypt, and all the girls are feeling ready to return to the pitch once again,” said Dennerby.
“We have a lot of respect for all our opponents, but that does not change our approach to any game. We always want to put in a good performance and play to win.”
The players were pleased to be playing international matches again, according to captain and centre-back Ashalata Devi, who added that a brief camp in Goa had helped the team gel.
“It feels great to be back in national colours once again, after a short break. We’re all pumped up and ready to go,” Ashalata remarked.
“We have had a good camp in Goa, and it has helped us asses ourselves before going for the two matches. Let’s hope for the best.”
On Friday, India will play Jordan, which is rated 63rd in the world, in their second friendly match.
