New Delhi, Dec 8 (Football news) A 23-member Indian under-19 women's football team on Wednesday left for Bangladesh to participate in the SAFF championship beginning later this month.
The India U-19 side has been training in Goa to prepare for the tournament and head coach Alex Ambrose believes that the camp will help the players adapt better.
"We have been training in Goa, and the girls have been adapting to all the situations here," said Ambrose in a release.
"It's a tough time for everyone in the world and we got the opportunity to train and play for which I am happy. We certainly want to do well and the federation is supporting us so that we can live up to a certain expectation." The U-19 side is a relatively new team with a few players who have already been in the national team fold.
Ambrose believes that playing in SAFF will help the girls understand the level of football played in the International arena.
"It's a new team and everyone is excited to play a good brand of football. Playing competitive teams will help acclimatise them, and gain an understanding of International football. The players need to believe in themselves and play good football," he said.
"It will help the girls prepare themselves to deal with tough situations. Expectations are always there, but we are here to play good football.
"There is absolutely no pressure on the players. We just want them to perform well, enjoy their football and have a good championship." India are slated to play Sri Lanka on December 13, before taking Bhutan on December 15, Bangladesh on December 17 and Nepal on December 19 in a round-robin format.
The top two sides will face each other in the Final, which will take place on December 22.
Squad: Goalkeepers: Anshika, Adrija Sarkhel, Manju Ganjhu.
Defenders: Astam Oraon, Nisha, Nirmala Devi, Purnima Kumari, Shilky Devi, Ritu Devi, Kritina Devi.
Midfielders: Poonam, Nitu Linda, Babina Devi, Santosh, Priyangka Devi, Mariyammal Balamurugan, Anju.
Forwards: Karen Estrocio, Amisha Baxla, Lynda Kom Serto, Sumati Kumari, Apurna Narzary, Santhiya Nadupatti Venugadajalam.
Head Coach: Alex Mario Ambrose.
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News Source : PTI
