Nepal look to emulate the outcome of the past three editions by at least making it to the final of the fourth Saff Women’s Championship at the Kanchenjunga Stadium in Siliguri, India on Monday.

Archrivals India has been a thorn in the eyes for the Nepali girls so far as the girls from the Himalayan nation lost to them in the final on all three previous editions. The possibility of fourth Nepal-India titles clash evaporated on Saturday when the hosts finished runners-up to Bangladesh in Group ‘B’. The outcome meant Group ‘A’ winners Nepal and India square off this time in the semi-finals, the winners going on the play against the winners of the second semi-finals between Bangladesh and Maldives in the championship clash on Wednesday.

Nepal go into the semi-finals with 100 percent winning record, while the three-time champions India suffered a minor glitch in a goalless draw against Bangladesh that cost them the top place in their group. Nepal can take heart from the fact that they are in a very good scoring form with star striker Sabitra Bhandari also accounting for 10 goals in three games. Bhandari struck five goals in a 8-0 mauling of Bhutan in the first match before adding another five in their 9-0 victory over Maldives. Bhandari failed to add to her tally in Nepal cagey 1-0 win against Sri Lanka. Nepal are also yet to concede a goal in the tournament.

Nepal coach Kumar Thapa was optimistic that his side will be able to get the same results as in their league campaign. “So far we have been very consistent but against India, our defenders must be very careful,” said the former Manang Marshayangdi Club and Nepali international midfielder Thapa. Thapa believed India were very strong attacking unit but took positives. “If Bangladesh were able to stop them from scoring in their last game, why can’t we do the same in the semi-finals,” added Thapa. “We will play to our potential and get what we have done so far in the tournament.”

India coach Sajid Dar also tipped Nepal as the favourites. “There’s no denying that they are one step ahead than all the other teams in the tournament. They have prepared thoroughly for the championship. They are a very strong side and have always been tough competitors,” Dar was quoted as saying by IANS. 

India won the gold medal in the final at the South Asian Games final in February last year the last time the two teams clashed. “In comparison to that championship, I feel Nepal are much more prepared for this tournament. Having a look at their group league matches, one can understand they have a different plan this time. We have to stay on our toes,” the India coach added.