ISLAMABAD - Mighty Indians are all set to defend their title against Nepal in the 3rd South Asian Women's Football Championship final to be played today (Friday) here at Jinnah Stadium, Pakistan Sports Complex.
Odds are heavily favoring Indians to take title for the third time in running, while Nepal have a good team and have the services of two players inspirational skipper Anu Lama and prolific soccerer Sajana Rana. As Anu is carrying injury, so it will be very difficult for Sajana to provide goals for her team.
On the other hand, Indians are blessed with so many natural goal scorers. Events top goal scorer Ngangom Bala Devi, who had scored already 12 goals, is still hungry for more goals after scoring just one in the semifinals. It will be almost impossible for weak Nepal defence to stop Ngangom from scoring further, while Indumathi also is in fine goal-scoring form and had scored half a dozen goals. Another dangerous midfielder Irom Prameshwari will also add fire power in Indian attack. Irom had also scored four goals so far. If we look at the past records, Indians always enjoyed luxury of having so many gifted players both in attack and defence and same is the case this time around.
Indians are far ahead if we compare both the teams head to head. Indians track record is clear indication, the money, which Indian Football Federation has put in, paid great dividend. Indians were totally dominating against all the opponents and never faced any sort of bother. On the other hand, Nepal struggled to win even against Bangladesh and only luck kept them in the hunt, otherwise, they could have been sent packing. Indians have been enjoying support in the stands even Pakistani national team also supported Indians against Afghanistan. The mega final will start at 2pm. The entire Asian football family has already reached the capital city.
Some high-profile dignitaries have opted to attend the final which speaks volumes about the PFF president Makhdoom Syed Faisal Saleh Hayat's influence and respect he enjoys world over.