29-07-2025
We have to choose our friendly matches wisely: India head coach Crispin Chettri after AFC Women's Asian Cup Draw
India senior women's team coach Crispin Chettri labelled the Blue Tigresses' group in the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026 an 'interesting and tricky' one.
India was placed in Group C with Japan, Vietnam and Chinese Taipei in the draw ceremony at the Sydney Town Hall on Tuesday.
'I think we have a very interesting, and at the same time, a tricky group. Japan are the cream of Asia. Vietnam and Chinese Taipei are good sides, and we can compete with them and aim for favourable results,' Chettri told from Australia after the draw.
Midfielder Sangita Basfore had the privilege of being one of the draw assistants. 'The whole experience at the draw here in Sydney was really special for me. I got to see and even touch the trophy, which felt amazing. I got goosebumps at the stage. The biggest highlight was visiting Stadium Australia in Sydney. The moment I stepped onto that ground, it felt like the match was about to begin,' she said.
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'We've already played against Vietnam, Chinese Taipei, and Japan in the past, so I know from experience that we can definitely compete with them. At no point did I feel that we couldn't beat them. We couldn't win earlier due to some mistakes, but we'll work on those. Our coach is with us, guiding us on the small details, what to do, and what to avoid. Based on that, we'll plan our next steps and give our best,' Sangita added.
While the Asian stage is a grand one, the Blue Tigresses have firmly set their eyes on scaling an even higher peak — FIFA Women's World Cup qualification. And with the AFC Women's Asian Cup offering six direct and two indirect slots for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil, this is an opportunity they want to grasp with both hands.
With 218 days to go for India's opening match against Vietnam at the Perth Rectangular Stadium, the groundwork has already begun, and each day is going to count.
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'Now that we know our opponents, we have to choose our friendly matches wisely and prepare well. Staying together as a unit and working hard in the camps will go a long way in helping us prepare to face the best teams in Asia and target World Cup qualification,' said Crispin.
Sangita added, 'With the time we have now, we should be playing matches against higher-ranked teams, so we can be ready for next March. When we face those three teams in the Asian Cup, it will be easier for us to judge their game and play with confidence. Exposure to stronger teams will be a great opportunity and will help us build belief going into the tournament.'
