After drubbing Sri Lanka by a hefty score-line of 4-0 on March 13, the Indian Women’s Senior National Team take on Myanmar in their last encounter of Group A in the Rio 2016 Women’s Olympic Qualifiers Round 1 at the Mandalar Thiri Sports Stadium in Mandalay, Myanmar on Sunday (March 15). The match kicks-off at 16.00 IST.

Both Myanmar and India have easily preyed on Sri Lanka and albeit both contingents are tied on points, Myanmar leads Group A due to superior goal difference.

A win will see India top Group A and will guarantee the Indian eves of their place in Round 2 of the Rio 2016 Women’s Olympic Qualifiers, while a draw will see them out of the tournament.

The form of both contingents seems to be impressive as a mouth-watering encounter, with a place in the second round up for grabs, beckons.

Head Coach Sajid Dar is wary of the threat that Myanmar possess and talking to AIFF Media, Sajid expresses: “We know that Myanmar are a quality team and we respect our opponents. Nevertheless, we will play to win. And we can achieve that if we work hard and work together as unit, with each player helping and guiding another.”

“Our players are talented enough. They just have to play together on the field”, he adds.

Captain Bala Devi, who assisted India’s opening goal in Sri Lanka’s hammering, understands that the game will be a tough encounter for both sides.

“It will be tough for both us and Myanmar. It is a very important game and we will play with our hearts out on the pitch to secure qualification. We will give our cent percent”, quips Bala.

Three group winners from Round 1 will advance to Round 2 of the Women’s Olympic Qualification to join Thailand and Vietnam, with a place in the final round going to the side that finishes top of the five-team table.

(Report & Picture courtesy AIFF Media)