It’s a 50-50 match against India: Shamsunnahar

Having described Bangladesh’s SAFF Women’s Championship clash against India on Sunday as a “fifty-fifty” contest, experienced left-back Shamsunnahar Sr said both sides will be under pressure and the team that capitalises on its chances will come out on top.

Defending champions Bangladesh and five-time champions India are level on points in Group B after both registered wins over Maldives. However, India currently lead the group on goal difference (+9).

Bangladesh now need an outright win against India to finish as Group B champions and secure a comparatively easier opponent in the semifinals -- a place both teams confirmed after defeating Maldives.

“The way we attacked against Maldives yesterday was different because Kohati and I could push forward as Maldives were not that kind of team,” Shamsunnahar told reporters at Planet Hollywood Beach Resort in Goa on Friday.

“But against India, we won’t be able to push up that much. Kohati won’t be able to push up, and neither will I.

“Because we will be under pressure, and the Indian team will also be under pressure. It’s a fifty-fifty match. India are a strong side too. Whoever gets the chance will definitely try to make use of it,” she added.

Hinting at possible changes to the lineup for the India match, the experienced defender said Bangladesh would go all out for victory.

“We will try to win and come out of the match against India with three points,” she said.

Shamsunnahar also said Bangladesh know well how to play against India and how to neutralise their strengths.

“We have been playing against India for a long time. Having faced them for so many years, we definitely understand their playing philosophy to some extent.

“They mostly play through the wings. We will want to block the wings because if the balls cannot come in from wide areas, then their strikers won’t be able to finish. We will try to stop them there,” said Shamsunnahar.

The defender added that beating India always brings special joy for both the players and the people of Bangladesh.

“Winning against India gives us a distinct feeling of joy. Not just for us, but it also makes our countrymen happy -- everyone in Bangladesh feels good about it. In that regard, winning against India is very important for us,” she said.