The Indian Women Football Team is set to take on a formidable Uzbekistan side in two high-stakes international friendlies at the Padukone-Dravid Centre for Sports Excellence in Bengaluru.
These matches, scheduled for May 30 and June 3, 2025, are part of India’s build-up to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers and will offer the Blue Tigresses crucial match practice against a higher-ranked opponent.
Coached by Crispin Chettri, India began their training camp in Bengaluru on May 1, with eyes firmly set on the continental qualifiers in June and July.
Drawn in Group B, India will face Mongolia (June 23), Timor-Leste (June 29), Iraq (July 2), and hosts Thailand (July 5) in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifying Round, scheduled to be held in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
These two friendly fixtures are not just warm-ups—they’re tests of how far India’s women have come in their development.
Uzbekistan, ranked 50th in the FIFA Women’s Rankings, will be a stern challenge for the Blue Tigresses, who sit at 69th. The White Wolves have historically dominated this head-to-head, winning nine of the 13 meetings. India has just one win to their name, while three matches have ended in draws.
A Look at the Squad
Coach Crispin Chettri has named an extended list of probables for the preparatory camp, comprising a healthy mix of experience and promising young talent. The team is structured to ensure depth in every department, with players drawn from across the domestic football circuit.
Goalkeepers: The list includes Payal Basude, Elangbam Panthoi Chanu, Keisham Melody Chanu, and Moirangthem Monalisha Devi—each bringing a different style and background to the setup. Panthoi Chanu, in particular, has been a steady presence under the bar and is expected to lead the charge.
Defenders: India will rely on the likes of experienced campaigners like Sweety Devi and Sanju, while youngsters like Hemam Shilky Devi and Martina Thokchom add freshness. Defensive solidity will be key in handling Uzbekistan’s aggressive attacking style.
Midfielders: Sangita Basfore and Anju Tamang are expected to control the tempo in midfield. Their vision and passing will be crucial, especially in building play from the back. They are supported by an energetic group including Ratanbala Devi and Kiran Pisda, both known for their work rate and ability to transition quickly.
Forwards: The attacking line-up features some of India’s most promising talent. Manisha Kalyan, one of India’s brightest stars with overseas experience, will be a key threat in the final third. She is joined by Sandhiya Ranganathan, Sumati Kumari, and Soumya Guguloth—each capable of changing the game with a moment of brilliance.
Tactical Preparation
India’s coaching staff, which includes assistant coach Priya PV and goalkeeper coach Dipankar Choudhury, has been focused on fitness, team cohesion, and tactical discipline in the early phase of the camp.
With less than two months before the qualifiers, these friendlies will allow the coaches to test combinations and assess players in competitive scenarios.
Uzbekistan presents a unique tactical challenge. Known for their structured defence and swift transitions, the visitors will expose any lapses in India’s organisation.
For Coach Chettri and his staff, this is a golden opportunity to evaluate how well the team can adapt to high-pressure situations—especially as most of the Group B opponents in the qualifiers are expected to play compact football.
Fans Return to Support the Tigresses
Hosting both games at the Padukone-Dravid Centre for Sports Excellence in Bengaluru is a boost for the home side. The world-class facility has become a hub for elite sports training in India and will offer a familiar environment for the Blue Tigresses.
With fans expected to turn out in support, the atmosphere should give the Indian team a psychological edge.
India’s women’s football is on a steady upward path, and consistent exposure to strong opponents is essential for growth. The two-match series against Uzbekistan is not just about results, but about testing depth, building combinations, and preparing mentally and physically for the upcoming qualifiers.
If the Blue Tigresses can rise to the occasion and put in a strong performance, they will carry much-needed momentum and confidence into Thailand for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers. For now, all eyes are on Bengaluru, where the next chapter in Indian women’s football unfolds.
FIFA Women’s International Friendlies Schedule:
- May 30, 2025: India vs Uzbekistan — Padukone-Dravid CSE, Bengaluru
- June 3, 2025: India vs Uzbekistan — Padukone-Dravid CSE, Bengaluru
Will India make a statement ahead of the qualifiers? The next few weeks will tell.
