Chiang Mai
Fresh off a commanding 13-0 victory over Mongolia, the Indian senior women’s football team is set to face Timor Leste in their second match of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers on Sunday at the 700th Anniversary Stadium in Chiang Mai.
India currently sits on three points in Group B, alongside Thailand, while Iraq leads with four points from a win over Mongolia and a draw with Timor Leste. Despite Timor Leste’s lower FIFA ranking (158th), Indian head coach Crispin Chettri expects a more structured challenge. “Timor Leste are better organised defensively than Mongolia and even Iraq,” Chettri said. “They rely on counter-attacks, show good pace, and are comfortable in possession.”
Timor Leste, coached by Indonesia’s Emral bin Bustamam, earned their first-ever AFC point in a goalless draw against Iraq. They have been more active in international play than Mongolia, participating in four ASEAN Championships and finishing fourth in the 2024 AFF Women’s Cup. India used their five-day break wisely, conducting four intensive training sessions. “Such rest is important in a four-match tournament,” said Chettri. “We worked tactically on areas we felt needed improvement after the first game.”
Wednesday was designated as a full rest day, which Chettri believes is vital for mental rejuvenation. “Recovery time helps players refocus and return stronger. Sometimes, being away from football for a short while is necessary,” he added. With a packed schedule ahead, the Blue Tigresses aim to build on their momentum and strengthen their position in the group.
