Manama, May 13: The Indian women's senior national football team arrived here for their two friendlies against Bahrain Tuesday and Thursday.
India play the AFC Women's Asian Cup (Qualifiers) in Palestine May 21-25. The SAFF Cup Champions open their account against Myanmar (May 21) followed by Chinese Taipei (May 23) and finally Palestine (May 25). India have been drawn in Group D.
The 23-member squad reached Delhi Sunday morning after finishing a one-month-long camp in Pune. They reached the capital of Bahrain Sunday evening.
“It feels good to be in Bahrain. The two international friendlies will be good preparation for the all-important AFC Cup Qualifiers. The camp in Pune was a fruitful one and we are raring to go,” national coach Anadi Barua said.
“The last time we came to Bahrain was in 2011. It was a three-match series which we won 2-1. I really hope the girls can do an encore,” goalkeeping coach Chitra Gangadharan said.
Skipper Tuli Goon added: “I can't wait to take the field. All the while in Pune we have been practicing hard for the AFC Qualifiers. The two friendlies will be of great help as we will be able to asses ourselves before the real battle.”
The first of the two friendlies against Bahrain kicks-off at 8.30 pm.
The following is the 23-member squad:
Goalkeepers: Okram Roshini Devi, Tikina Samal, Usha Rani Das.
Defenders: Ashem Romi Devi, Loitongbam Ashalata Devi, Suprava Samal, Gurumayum Radharani Devi, Tuli Goon, Lako Phuti Bhutia, Ansha.
Midfielders: Yumnam Kamala Devi, Yumlembam Premi Devi, Supriya Routray, Amoolya Kamal, Dangmei Grace, Oinam Bembem Devi, Sasmita Malik, Paromita Sit.
Forwards: Irom Prameshwori Devi, Salam Rinaroy Devi, Jyoti Ann Burrett, Ngangom Bala Devi, Pinky Bompal Magar.
Coach: Anadi Barua.
Assistant coach: Surmala Chanu.
Goalkeeping coach: Chitra Gangadharan.
Physiotherapist: Dimple Jitesh Maniar.
