The SAFF Women’s Championship 2024 is set to be a thrilling event, with the official schedule now released. The tournament will take place in Nepal from October 17 to October 30, showcasing some of the finest talents in South Asian women’s football.
Venue and Tournament Format
All matches of the SAFF Women’s Championship will be hosted at the Dasharath Stadium in Kathmandu. This central location will ensure that all teams and fans have a single focal point for the tournament, adding to the excitement and atmosphere of the event.
The tournament is divided into two groups, with Group A featuring Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh. Group B includes host nation Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. Each team will compete fiercely to secure a spot in the knockout stages, with the final scheduled for October 30.
Pakistan’s Journey in Group A
Pakistan’s national women’s football team faces a challenging start to their campaign, kicking off against their arch-rivals, India, on October 17 at 17:30 pm. This opening match is highly anticipated, as the rivalry between Pakistan and India adds an extra layer of intensity to the competition.
Following this, Pakistan will take on Bangladesh on October 20, another crucial fixture in their group-stage efforts. With both India and Bangladesh being formidable opponents, Pakistan’s performance in these early matches will be critical in determining their progression in the tournament.
Group B Battles
Group B will see host nation Nepal competing alongside Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. Nepal will be looking to capitalize on their home advantage, with matches scheduled against Sri Lanka on October 18 and the Maldives on October 24. Bhutan and the Maldives will also have their opportunities to shine, with their first match scheduled for October 18.
As the tournament progresses, the top teams from each group will advance to the knockout stages. The semi-finals are set for October 27, with the Group A champion facing the Group B runners-up and vice versa. The winners of these matches will then battle it out in the final on October 30.
The Growing Popularity of Women’s Football in South Asia
The SAFF Women’s Championship 2024 is more than just a football tournament; it’s a celebration of the growing popularity of women’s football in South Asia. With teams preparing intensely for the prestigious regional title, the event is expected to foster stronger sports relations among the participating nations.
As the tournament draws closer, excitement is building not just in Nepal, but across all the participating countries. Fans are eager to see their teams perform on the big stage, with many expecting fierce competition and closely contested matches.
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
Anticipating the Action
The SAFF Women’s Championship 2024 promises to be an exciting showcase of women’s football, with teams from across South Asia competing for the top prize. As the matches unfold, fans can look forward to seeing new talents emerge, old rivalries reignite, and perhaps, history being made at the Dasharath Stadium.
