Bangladesh defender Sheuli Azim believes her side have the quality to defeat India as the defending champions prepare for a crucial Group B encounter in the SAFF Women's Championship 2026 on Sunday.
The match between the South Asian rivals will determine the group winners after both teams secured semi-final berths by defeating Maldives in their opening fixtures. India thrashed Maldives 11-0, while Bangladesh registered a harder-fought 4-2 victory.
Sheuli, who missed Bangladesh's opening match due to illness, is expected to return to the starting lineup against India and is eager to contribute in one of the tournament's biggest fixtures.
"I didn't play the first match due to pain (gastric). Now I'm feeling better," Sheuli told the reporters on Saturday.
The winger expects a stern test from the five-time champions but remains confident about Bangladesh's chances.
"Tomorrow's match will be tough and very challenging. Every team has strong and weak points. We will try to find India's weakness and attack accordingly," she said.
"We want to overcome our weakness. We have to be aware about our weakness. I hope we overcome the errors from the first match. We have the ability to beat India."
Bangladesh's performance against Maldives exposed some defensive vulnerabilities despite securing all three points, and the team has spent the days leading up to the India clash addressing those shortcomings.
For Sheuli, the significance of Sunday's clash extends beyond local bragging rights. Finishing top of the group could provide a more favourable route in the semi-finals as Bangladesh chase a third consecutive SAFF title.
"It is a very important match for us because we want to finish as group champions for an easier semi-final fixture. We will try," she said.
The full-back also highlighted the blend of youth and experience within the Bangladesh squad, noting that newer players may feel additional pressure in a high-profile fixture against India.
"There are experienced players in our team, also new faces. So those who are new there will be a little bit of pressure. It wouldn't be much pressure for the experienced ones."
While Sheuli described India as a well-organized side, she backed Bangladesh's balanced squad to rise to the occasion in a match that could shape the remainder of their title defence.
"India team is very organized. Our team is balanced," she said.
With both teams already through to the last four, Sunday's showdown offers an opportunity to gain momentum, secure top spot in the group and send a statement ahead of the knockout stages.
