The SAFF Women’s Championship 2024 is set to kick off in Nepal, with the official match schedule now released. The tournament, which runs from October 17 to October 30, promises to be a showcase of the best in South Asian women’s football.
A Single Venue Focus: Dasharath Stadium
This year’s championship will be held exclusively at the Dasharath Stadium in Kathmandu. The decision to use a single venue for all matches is aimed at creating a more focused and intense atmosphere for both players and fans.
The tournament format features two groups. Group A includes Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh, while Group B consists of Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. The competition will culminate in the finals on October 30, where the top teams will battle for the prestigious title.
Pakistan’s High-Stakes Matches
Pakistan’s journey in the SAFF Women’s Championship begins with a highly anticipated match against India on October 17 at 17:30 pm. Given the historic rivalry between these two nations, this match is expected to draw significant attention and set the tone for the tournament.
Three days later, on October 20, Pakistan will face Bangladesh, another key fixture in Group A. With both matches being crucial for Pakistan’s advancement to the knockout stages, their performance in these games will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
Group B: The Host’s Advantage
Nepal, the host nation, is in Group B alongside Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. Nepal’s first match is against Sri Lanka on October 18, followed by a game against Bhutan on October 21. Playing on home turf, Nepal is expected to leverage the support of local fans to boost their performance.
The Maldives, a team known for its tenacity, will also be a team to watch in Group B. Their matches against Sri Lanka and Bhutan will be critical in determining their chances of making it to the semi-finals.
Women’s Football on the Rise
The SAFF Women’s Championship 2024 is more than just a football tournament; it represents the growing importance and popularity of women’s football in South Asia. With teams from across the region preparing intensively, the tournament is expected to highlight the skills and talents of female footballers who are making their mark on the international stage.
As the tournament date approaches, excitement is building not only in Nepal but across all participating countries. Fans are eager to see how their teams will perform, especially in matches that are likely to be closely contested.
Match Schedule Highlights
- October 17: Pakistan vs. India, 17:30 pm, Dasharath Stadium
- October 18: Sri Lanka vs. Maldives, 13:30 pm; Nepal vs. Bhutan, 17:30 pm
- October 20: Bangladesh vs. Pakistan, 17:30 pm, Dasharath Stadium
- October 21: Bhutan vs. Sri Lanka, 13:30 pm; Maldives vs. Nepal, 17:30 pm
- October 23: India vs. Bangladesh, 17:30 pm, Dasharath Stadium
- October 27: Semi-Finals, 13:30 pm and 17:30 pm, Dasharath Stadium
- October 30: Final, 17:30 pm, Dasharath Stadium
What to Expect
With its compact schedule and a venue that promises an electric atmosphere, the SAFF Women’s Championship 2024 is shaping up to be a memorable event. Teams from across South Asia will bring their best to the field, vying for glory and the title of regional champions. As the competition heats up, fans can expect a series of thrilling matches that will showcase the very best of women’s football in the region.