Despite the fact that India are the defending champions, having defeated Bangladesh 1-0 in the final last year, Ambrose believes that the pressure to perform is not on his team. Rather, they are here to “play good football”.

“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 tournament,” Ambrose said. “We have been training in Goa for four months. We’ve had some practice matches, and it was a good training for us.”

Having trained for four months in Goa, the India U-15 Women’s team has also spent a week in Thimphu, Bhutan as a part of the acclimatisation process for the SAFF Championship.

“It’s important for us to get acclimatised to high altitudes. We certainly want to do well and the federation is supporting us so that we can live up to a certain expectation. Our main objective is to stick to the basics and play a certain brand of football where we keep the ball on the ground and pass it around,” said Ambrose.

The gaffer further went on to praise the Indian authorities for extending all the help to the team improve ahead of big tournaments. “The AIFF understands the importance of women’s football development in India. And I believe that they are making sure that they are trying their best to support the coaches with whatever they need, in order to help bring around that development,” quipped Ambrose.

However, the head coach is not taking any of the teams lightly and believes in taking it one match at a time. “Everyone is here to win the matches and the tournament, so we cannot really take any of the teams lightly. We are here to play our brand of football and we are last year’s champions. But it’s a new tournament, we have a new team and that is why we need to forget about the past results and keep pushing forward,” he rounded off.

Along with India and Nepal, hosts Bhutan and Bangladesh make up the four participating teams – with each side facing one another once and the top two teams qualifying for the final, which will take place on October 15.

India’s opener against Nepal kicks off tomorrow at 2.30 pm IST. The matches will be streamed live on Mycujoo.tv.

– Courtesy of AIFF Media

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In the process, the Bibiano Fernandes coached side scored 28 goals in without having conceded any in the 5 matches they played in the tournament (including the final). The victory also meant that India are now the most successful team in the tournament’s history — winning the title for a record third time after previous wins in 2013 and 2017, both of which came in Nepal.

The first half was an electric affair right from the start, with the first scoring chance being created in the second minute itself. It was the Indian that started better and were rewarded for their efforts as they took the lead through Maheson Singh Tongbram in the 15th minute.

The midfielder ran into open space on the right flank and made the most of it with an excellent shot that sailed over the head of Nepal goalkeeper Manoj Dahal and nestled into the bottom corner of the goal.

It was a one-goal affair for most of the remaining half but India recorded two quick strikes towards the end to head into the dressing room with a three-goal advantage. Taison Singh, who was a live wire down the right flank, was fouled near the penalty area. He curled in the resulting free-kick, which was sent into the goal with a deft header by Amandeep in the 42nd minute.

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Taison provided yet another assist to help India extend their lead. Beating his full-back, he squared the ball to an onrushing Sibajit Singh, who scored with a first-time shot. Changing over, the Indian side was quick to add to its lead, with Sridarth adding his name to the scoresheet with a poacher’s goal in the 51st minute. Taison fired in a powerful shot from distance that was not collected by the Nepal keeper and Sridarth was on hand to follow up and tap the ball home.

Himanshu Jangra, who scored a hat-trick each in India’s two previous matched against Bhutan and Bangladesh, came off the bench at half-time and scored his team’s fifth goal of the match — thus recording his 7th goal of the championship, and bagging the highest scorer award.

This time too, the provider was none other than Taison as he won the ball off the Nepal defence after some excellent pressing. He then proceeded to race past the defence and cross the ball to Himanshu, who leapt and headed the ball home in the 65th minute.

Five goals soon became six with 15 minutes left to play as Sridarth added his second of the match. The striker was played in by Shubho with a delightful through-ball and Sridarth showed great composure to round the keeper and stroke the ball home into the empty net. In the 80th minute, Sridarth completed his hat-trick with India’s seventh and last goal of the game as he latched on to a fine, low cross from Himanshu and placed it past the goalkeeper.

“I would like to thank each one of my support staff, the AIFF management at Football House, and SAI for their support,” Bibiano maintained at the post-match press conference. “We are happy to be champions. We came here with an aim, and we have achieved it. This was a preparation for the AFC Qualifiers and it makes us confident about what we can achieve,” he added. “I am extremely happy the manner boys responded. They kept up the momentum and the intensity since the first match. I am extremely proud of them.”

Captain Anish Majumdar dedicated the victory to a ‘team effort’. “This wouldn’t have been possible without us sticking together as a team. I need to thank the Coach and all our staff for their guidance, and believing in us,” Mazumdar commented.

The next task up ahead for Bibiano Fernandes’ side is now the AFC U-16 Championships 2020 qualifiers, scheduled to take place from September 18-22, 2019. The Indians have been drawn in Group B and will face hosts Uzbekistan, Bahrain and Turkmenistan.

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Bangladesh previously failed to win against Nepal and lost by a scoreline of 1-4. The Bangladeshi outfit needed a two-goal led victory today to ensure the top two spot.

The match commenced with some nervy moments on both ends at the rain-drenched Kalyani. The Indian team was revamped as coach Bibiano Fernandes made as many as 8 changes to the starting XI, from their last game against Sri Lanka. Captain and centre-back Anish Mazumder, midfielder Satvik Sharma, and striker Himanshu Jangra were the only ones to be retained in the starting XI.

Bangladesh had a good start to the game but failed to capitalize from several chances. It was India’s Isac Zomuanpuia who had the chance of the day to score the first goal. The rain gods played a spoilsport as Isac’s effort was stopped in a puddle.

However, Himanshu Jangra, the hat-trick hero from the previous outing broke the deadlock. He scored yet again for team India at 29′. His back-headed effort made from a free-kick taken by Isac Zomanpuia went past to beat the Bangladeshi keeper.

The Indian team were ahead at the first half with a solitary goal lead.

The second half commenced with India’s Himanshu showing his prowess on the field. The hat-trick hero from the previous outing scored a hat-trick once again. Himanshu netted the next two goals at 74′ and 79′. It was the deadly duo, Himanshu and Isac, who ran riot in the Bangladeshi defence. Renedy Meitei concluded with a goal at the 90th minute to ensure India’s ticket to finals.

India will face Nepal on Saturday, August 31st, at the Kalyani Stadium from 3:00 PM IST.

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The Blue Colt, Himanshu Jangra ran the show as he went on to score a hat-trick. His three goals came at 32′, 42′, and 61′.

The other two goals came from Maheson Singh at 39′ and Subho Paul at 45+3′. Bibiano Fernandes made two changes in his lineup where he introduced Himanshu Jangra upfront in place of Sridarth, and Sibajit Singh was replaced by Satvik Sharma in the midfield.

The Blue Colts were dominant since the match commenced, but the Sri Lanka defence held tightly. India attacking midfielder Maheson Singh was on form, giving ample opportunities to striker Jangra.

However, the striker broke the deadlock when Maheson found him with a defence-splitting pass, as Jangra put the ball into the net.

Soon after, Maheson made an excellent effort from outside the box and doubled the lead, before Jangra could complete his brace as he slipped one past the Lanka keeper.

Shubho Paul made it four during injury time of the first half, as he cut in from the left flank and curled it into the net.

Jangra completed his hattrick in the second half when he skipped past a defender to score.

India is set to play their final fixture of the group stage game against Bangladesh, which starts from 3:00 PM tomorrow at the Kalyani Stadium.

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The first half of the game was a rather quiet affair, with both teams not creating many chances and India entering the dressing room with a one-goal cushion. The start saw the two teams locked in a battle for possession and territory in the middle of the pitch, with the away side having a clear upper hand.

The goal came in the 18th minute through Vanlalruatfela, who scored after some nice build-up by his teammates. After exchanging a few passes in the final third, the forward was played in on goal and found himself one-on-one against the opposition goalkeeper.

Pushed wide, Vanlalruatfela showed great composure and poise to turn and aim for goal. Without wasting any time, he slammed the ball past the keeper and into the roof of the net to give the Indians the lead.

Nepal looked to strike back but were struggling to create chances and keep possession in dangerous areas as the Indian team stood firm and forced the hosts to go for long-range efforts, which were easily dealt with by Indian keeper Santosh Singh.

The Indians could have had a second goal in the 42nd minute but the Nepal custodian dived sharply to his right to produce a fine save and divert the Indian shot for a corner.

The second half saw Shuvendu Panda’s boys keep their lead intact. The Indian defence remained largely untroubled and kept the Nepal attackers at bay, with Santosh being called into action once and captainJongte Lalpekhlua playing a dominant role in the middle of the park.

Nepal had a half-chance in the 72nd minute but the first-time shot from a long pass by their forward did not get the required connection. Nine minutes later, the Indian keeper pulled off a fine save as he denied the hosts from close range after a melee in the penalty area.

India’s best chance came in the 77th minute after a free header from a corner sailed narrowly wide. In the end, it was enough to see them clinch the bronze medal at the tournament as they held on comfortably for the win.

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After their heartbreak against Bangladesh on Thursday (November 1), India are all set to face off against Nepal in the third-place match of the SAFF U-15 Championship on Saturday (November 3)

India came very close to qualifying for the final of the championship after Harsh Patra unleashed a 17th minute 30-yarder in their semifinal clash. However, a 93rd-minute penalty by Bangladesh sent the match into the dreaded penalty shootout, where the latter won 4-2.

Due to this result, India are now set to face neighbours Nepal in the third-fourth placed match on Saturday. Ahead of this crunch game, India U-15 Men’s team head coach Shuvendu Panda believes that his has put the defeat against Bangladesh behind them, and are now ready for one last showdown against Nepal.

“We have already put the defeat against Bangladesh behind us. Now it’s all about our next game, and we are ready to face Nepal,” said Panda. “Although it is hard to believe that we are not in the finals but the boys have accepted the defeat and look forward for the upcoming match.”

Nepal, over the course of the tournament, have played some good football, and could pose a threat to India on Saturday. However, Panda believes that his team is strong enough to face their neighbours and earn the bronze medal.

“Undoubtedly, Nepal are a strong opponent but we are ready to face them. We want to achieve a positive outcome before we head home,” said Panda.

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For India, Shubho Paul scored a brace while Subba Kushang and Xalxo Aman scored one apiece. India led 1-0 at half-time. The Indians were off to the perfect start as the first goal came as early as the 4^th minute when Shubho converted from the spot – placing it to the right of the rival Goalkeeper Gyeltshen Dorji.

The Indian boys stayed patient as the rivals did manage to sneak into the Indian box on a couple of occasions, especially immediately after resumption.

Their perseverance soon paid dividends as the second goal came in the 66^th minute, and it was all wrapped in individual brilliance. Receiving a loose ball in his own half, the irrepressible Subba ran past the entire rival defence, dribbled past three, entered the box and placed into the far corner.

The third goal came in the 83^rd minute as Shubho completed his brace. It was a build-up which started in India’s half and after some casual exchanges, Shubho followed up a vicious long ball, sped past all and put it in.

Aman completed the rout in the 89^th minute when he tapped into an empty net after the rival goalkeeper had misread a Harsh Patre free-kick.

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After India’s triumph in the final against Bangladesh, Bembem spoke at length about her journey as a Coach, her dream, assessment of the present batch, the youth structure and much more.

EXCERPTS:

How satisfying is it to win as a Coach?

It’s immensely satisfying. I always cherished a dream of winning a tournament as a Coach. But let this be just the beginning. The feeling of wining as a Coach is a bit different from that of winning as a player.

How different is winning as a Coach as compared to a Player?

I was sure about my abilities as a player but unless AIFF hadn’t spotted me as a Coach, I would have taken more time to come out as a Coach. Winning as a Coach is living around the emotion but winning as a Player is like living in the emotion. Both are different feelings and I am fortunate to have experienced both.

So have you settled down as a Coach?

I am still settling down. There’s so much still to learn and achieve. I reiterate, maybe I wasn’t much sure about my coaching instincts till AIFF persuaded me to take it up. I was still a player at that time.

Any regrets for taking it up?

Looking back, there are absolutely no regrets. Today I know I made the right decision. But I was kind of brought into Coaching – it wasn’t completely my decision. AIFF’s trust means a lot to me. I am very happy to be playing an active role in the effort to redefine the youth setup of women’s football in our Country. The youth set-up, after all, is the bed-rock of all footballing success.

What was your assessment of the final which India won?

Bangladesh was always going to be a tough team to play against. But we stayed united and that saw us through. We had devised a plan to counter their forwards and it worked. We wanted to score an early goal but even though we came close, we scored it eventually. This batch is really talented and I am happy to nurture them into better players.

All the players look up to you and want to follow your path.

I am just fortunate to have such a career. But right now I want to implement whatever I have learnt as a player into my career and help in youth development. Women’s Football on India is on the rise and I am doing my part.

Also Read: SAFF U15 Championship: India U15 girls crowned champions

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Moments after India were crowned champions in the SAFF U-15 Girls Championship by defeating Bangladesh by a solitary goal in the final in Thimpu, D’Souza stated: “We stuck to our task. There were targets for each player and everyone executed it to perfection. I am extremely proud of the girls.”

“Right from day one when we assembled in the Camp we have worked hard. Hard work leads to success and we fully deserve this,” he added.  “It’s hard to express how happy I am to get this trophy back home.”

The legendary Bembem Devi, presently the Assistant Coach of the team couldn’t stop smiling after the final whistle. “As a player I have been fortunate enough to win medals for my Country. But to win it in my first International Coaching assignment is perhaps more satisfying. The maturity of this U-15 girls, both on and field the field is so inspiring,” she maintained. “They are a very disciplined unit.”

Goalscorer Sunita Munda mentioned it’s a ‘very happy feeling’. “I can’t ever describe this moment. We are champions, India are the champions,” she had tears in her eyes. “We had promised that we would be backing each other and fight for our Country,” she uttered in one breath. “The tournament has been an eye-opener for all of us. We want to better ourselves in the future.”

Forward Shilkhy Devi added ‘everyone played well’. “We are very proud to have won this for our Country. This is a feeling which I can’t describe,” she uttered. Midfielder Avika Singh attributed the triumph to “team spirit.”

“We gave our 100 percent on the field. It was a very tough match and it’s so satisfying to have emerged champions. Jai Hind,” she stated.

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Sunita Munda’s strike in the 67^th minute made all the difference between the two teams. It was a hard-fought victory with both teams having hit the woodwork once. The Indian girls started in an attacking fashion and as early as the 2^nd minute, Avika Singh’s free-kick rattled the bar and off the rebound, Shilky Devi’s header went inches wide.

Three minutes later, Sunita Munda with a solo run burst into the rival box but only with the opposition goalkeeper to beat, she fumbled.

Spurred, the Indian girls dominated possession and created chances almost at will. Kritina Devi’s speed down the flanks proved to be a constant threat for the opposition defence. The opposition custodian saved her shot in the 27th minute as India pressed for that inevitable goal.

However, much against the run of play, the Indian defence fumbled in the 43^rd minute when defender Ritu failed to clear her ball, allowing Bangladesh a clear shot at goal. But striker Anuching Mogini failed to find the net from close range as both teams headed to the interval locked goalless.

In the second half, the trend stayed the same with the Indian girls dominating possession and they were finally rewarded in the 67^thminute.

In the 66^th minute, Avika Singh found Sunita Munda in the box but the rival defence managed to clear it for a corner. Form the resultant corner, Sunita found the back off the net after she connected from Lynda Kom’s cross.

Having not much options, Bangladesh went all out in the attack. In the 76^th minute, Bangladesh hit the bar. However, the Indian defence stood stern and goalkeeper Manish made agile saves in the dying minutes.

The Indian U-15 Women scored sixteen goals in four matches including the final and semi-final and conceded just one all throughout the Championship.

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