How does Crispin Chhetri view India's draw for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup?

New Delhi, July 29 (NationPress) Senior women's team coach Crispin Chettri described the draw for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026 as both ‘interesting and tricky’ for the Blue Tigresses. India finds itself in Group C alongside Japan, Vietnam, and Chinese Taipei, as revealed during the draw ceremony held at the Sydney Town Hall on Tuesday.

"We have a very interesting and tricky group. Japan is the top team in Asia, while Vietnam and Chinese Taipei are formidable opponents that we can challenge for positive outcomes," Chettri stated in an interview with the-aiff.com from Australia post-draw.

Midfielder Sangita Basfore had the honor of being one of the draw assistants, revealing her country's name with pride after picking the ball. "India!" she exclaimed confidently, her eyes shining with enthusiasm.

This marks India's first qualification for the Women's Asian Cup based on merit, achieved through the qualifiers, and Sangita's remarkable performance against Thailand, where she scored two goals, was pivotal in securing this spot.

"The draw experience in Sydney was incredibly special for me. I even had the chance to see and touch the trophy, which was exhilarating. Standing on the pitch at Stadium Australia gave me goosebumps; it felt like the match was about to kick off," Sangita reflected.

Chettri echoed her sentiments, saying, "This experience in Sydney has been invaluable. Representing our nation at this level is a dream come true."

Currently ranked 70th, India will kick off their journey against Vietnam (ranked 37th) on March 4, 2026, in Perth, before facing Japan (ranked 7th) on March 7, also in Perth, and concluding group play against Chinese Taipei (ranked 42nd) on March 10 in Sydney.

The Blue Tigresses are no strangers to their upcoming adversaries, having faced each of them in recent years. Although India experienced a narrow defeat to Chinese Taipei in the Asian Games, they secured a victory in a friendly match in 2021. In the Olympic Qualifiers of 2023, Vietnam and Japan also triumphed over India. Despite the challenges posed by their higher-ranked opponents, both Chettri and Sangita are optimistic about their chances of advancing to the quarter-finals, particularly against Vietnam and Chinese Taipei, with whom they have had many closely-fought encounters.

"Having previously played against Vietnam, Chinese Taipei, and Japan gives us confidence. I never doubted our ability to compete. Earlier losses were due to mistakes we can rectify. Our coach is guiding us on the finer points of our game, and we will strategize our next steps accordingly to give it our all," Sangita said.

Chettri remarked, "All these teams are challenging, which is what you'd expect at the Asian Cup. As the coach of Odisha FC, I've faced clubs from these nations in the AFC Women's Champions League, and it was a significant learning opportunity for me. I understand their playing style and what to anticipate from them."

While the Asian stage is undeniably significant, the Blue Tigresses have their sights set even higher — on qualifying for the FIFA Women’s World Cup. With the AFC Women's Asian Cup offering six direct and two indirect slots for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil, this is a chance they are determined to seize.

"Our aim has always been to reach Brazil and experience the World Cup. We are so close now. We need to perform well in Australia, representing our national team and flying our flag high. Our objective is to take it one game at a time and secure World Cup qualification," Sangita emphasized.

With only 218 days remaining until their opening match against Vietnam at the Perth Rectangular Stadium, preparations are already underway, and each moment counts.

"Now that we know who we are up against, we must carefully select our friendly matches and prepare thoroughly. Unity and hard work during training camps will be crucial in getting ready to take on the best teams in Asia and aim for World Cup qualification," Crispin advised.

Sangita concluded, "With the time we have, we should engage in matches against higher-ranked teams to ensure we are ready for next March. Facing these three opponents in the Asian Cup will provide us insights into their gameplay and enhance our confidence. Competing against stronger teams will be an invaluable opportunity to build our belief heading into the tournament."