India start as favourites against Bangladesh in SAFF Women C'ships semis

Unbeaten so far in the tournament, four-time defending champions India will start as overwhelming favourites against Bangladesh in the semi-finals of the SAFF Women's football championship here Wednesday.

Since the tournament's inception in 2010, India have never been on the losing side, clinching all the four editions of the event.

In the last edition of the tournament in 2016, India had defeated Bangladesh 3-1 to clinch the crown.

Maymol Rocky's side heads into the encounter on the back of victories against Maldives (6-0) and Sri Lanka (5-0) in the group stages and the coach feels that her wards are focused on the job at hands, to be played on Wednesday at the Sahid Rangashala Stadium.

"The girls are in good shape ahead of the semifinal match," she said.

"On Monday, the emphasis was on recovery and we had a couple of fun activities as well. Then, we followed it up with a heavy training session and the players are focused and ready for the match," she added.

The Indian team has been together since December last year and has played international fixtures in Hong Kong, Indonesia and Turkey besides the inaugural Hero Gold Cup in India, before travelling to Nepal.

As they look to inch closer towards their fifth straight SAFF crown, the coach hailed the efforts shown by the players during this period.

"I highly appreciate the girls for the work they have put in. I'm sure they must be missing home and travelling for so long can take a toll. I'm happy that these youngsters are so focused," she said.

"Football keeps all of us united and so does the honour of representing the country."