As the Indian women’s football team prepares to face arch-rivals Pakistan in their SAFF Women’s Championship opener. Senior defender Ashalata Devi expressed confidence in the team’s capabilities and the growing quality of football in the region. Speaking on Wednesday, Ashalata emphasized the importance of starting strong in the tournament. Especially with the match set to take place at the iconic Dasarath Stadium.
The highly anticipated clash holds special significance for Ashalata, as she will become the first Indian woman footballer to achieve 100 international caps when she steps onto the field on Thursday. Reflecting on the occasion, she stated, “The first game always sets the tone, and a strong start will help us play freely in the following matches.”
Having faced Pakistan previously, where India secured a convincing 3-0 victory, Ashalata acknowledged the rivalry but urged her teammates to remain focused. “It’s always exciting to face a team like Pakistan. We have a lot of respect for them. They have grown as a unit. Although we won last time, we are not taking them lightly. They are motivated and well-prepared, and they will surely put up a good fight,” she remarked.
India’s head coach, Santosh Kashyap, shared similar sentiments, noting the potential for a closely contested match. “I have watched Pakistan’s recent performances, including their narrow 1-0 loss to Singapore. They have strong physicality and play good football. All teams are very close in terms of quality, and we cannot afford to underestimate anyone, whether it’s the men’s or women’s teams,” he warned.
The Pakistani side, featuring experienced players like Maria Khan and Nadia Khan, is not expected to be an easy opponent. Skipper Maria, a seasoned midfielder, currently plays for Eastern Flames in Saudi Arabia. While goalkeeper Rumaysa Khan and striker Isra Khan play in Canada and the United States, respectively.
Pakistan’s head-coach Adeel Rizki acknowledged competitive nature of the upcoming match, stating, “I think it will be an interesting contest. India has prepared well, and with a new coach, they have new strategies. We are eager to see what unfolds in this classic rivalry.”
As the teams gear up for this exciting showdown, all eyes will be on Ashalata Devi as she seeks to lead her team to victory while marking a significant milestone in her career.
