The Indian women’s football team opened a new chapter under head coach Amelia Valverde with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Swiss club FC Schlieren in a closed-door friendly at the Emirhan Sport Center in Manavgat, Türkiye.
The result, achieved through goals from Anju Tamang and Grace Dangmei, not only delivered India’s first win of the ongoing European training camp but also provided a timely boost as preparations intensify for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026. For Valverde, who has been entrusted with shaping India’s next phase in women’s football, the match offered a valuable early test of her ideas. Coming off a 2–0 loss to Ukraine’s FC Metalist 1925 Kharkiv in their opening friendly, the Blue Tigresses responded with greater composure, structure, and attacking intent, translating their work on the training pitch into a tangible result.
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India began the contest with clear purpose, showing more balance between attack and defence than in their previous outing. The midfield trio worked to keep possession, while the wide players stretched FC Schlieren’s backline, creating pockets of space for the forwards to exploit. That approach paid off in the 19th minute, when a well-constructed move saw Anju Tamang arrive in the box to finish clinically and put India ahead.
The goal was a reward for India’s disciplined build-up play. Rather than resorting to long balls, the Blue Tigresses circulated the ball patiently, drawing their opponents out of shape before releasing Tamang into a scoring position. It was a sign of Valverde’s emphasis on organised progression and intelligent movement in the final third.
After taking the lead, India remained compact and alert, denying FC Schlieren any easy routes through midfield. The Swiss club tried to push forward, but India’s defensive line held its shape, cutting off passing lanes and forcing their opponents wide, where crosses were dealt with confidently.
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The second half brought a more physical contest, with FC Schlieren pressing higher up the pitch in search of an equaliser. India, however, showed improved game management, dropping into a controlled block when needed and springing forward quickly when possession was regained. The midfielders tracked runners diligently, ensuring the backline was not overloaded, while the forwards continued to test the Swiss defence on the counter.
Valverde used the period to assess combinations and tactical adaptability. Players rotated across positions, and the team’s ability to maintain structure despite changes was an encouraging sign. Although clear chances were limited during this phase, India looked comfortable absorbing pressure and choosing the right moments to attack.
As the match moved into its final stages, India’s persistence was rewarded. In the 81st minute, Grace Dangmei doubled the lead, capitalising on sustained pressure in the attacking third. The goal was emblematic of India’s approach on the day: patient probing, followed by decisive execution when an opening appeared.
With a two-goal cushion, India looked set for a comfortable finish, but FC Schlieren pulled one back from the penalty spot in the 85th minute. The late goal added tension to the closing minutes, yet the Blue Tigresses showed maturity in seeing out the game, keeping possession intelligently and limiting their opponents’ opportunities to mount a dramatic comeback.
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The win comes at a crucial stage in India’s build-up to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, which will be held in Australia in March. For the first time in history, India have qualified for the continental tournament on merit, having completed an unbeaten qualification campaign that included a notable victory over higher-ranked Thailand. That achievement has raised expectations, and this training camp in Türkiye is designed to ensure the squad is tactically and physically ready for the challenge ahead.
India have been drawn into Group C alongside heavyweights Japan, as well as Chinese Taipei and Vietnam. It is a demanding group, but one that offers the Blue Tigresses an opportunity to measure themselves against some of Asia’s most established sides. Matches like the one against FC Schlieren are vital in building the confidence and cohesion needed to compete at that level.
While it is still early days, the influence of Amelia Valverde is already visible. The emphasis on structure, compactness, and purposeful attacking play was evident against FC Schlieren, particularly in how India controlled phases of the game and responded to pressure. The coaching staff will now use the remaining sessions and fixtures in Türkiye to further refine these principles, evaluate player partnerships, and fine-tune tactical details before finalising plans for the Asian Cup.
For players such as Anju Tamang and Grace Dangmei, scoring in this match also strengthens their case as key figures in the attacking unit. Their ability to deliver in decisive moments could prove crucial in the high-stakes environment of continental competition.
In isolation, a 2–1 win in a closed-door friendly might seem modest, but in the context of India’s broader journey, it carries significant weight. It represents a positive response to an earlier setback, a successful first step under a new coach, and a reminder that the Blue Tigresses are capable of executing a game plan against international opposition.
As India continue their preparations in Türkiye, the focus will be on building consistency, sharpening tactical awareness, and ensuring that every player understands their role within Valverde’s system.
If this performance against FC Schlieren is any indication, the Blue Tigresses are beginning to find their rhythm at the right time just as the road to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup enters its most important phase.
