India Aim for Winning Start Against Iran as Women’s Tri-Nation Tournament Kicks Off in Shillong

Amid the mist-clad hills of Shillong, the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium is set to host the opening clash of the Women’s Tri-Nation Friendly Tournament between India and Iran. The high-altitude setting adds a unique challenge to a match that serves as vital preparation for both teams ahead of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026.

For India, this fixture marks an important step in their resurgence under head coach Crispin Chhetri. The Blue Tigresses qualified for next year’s continental championship in style, finishing unbeaten and topping Group B in the qualifiers. A standout performance from midfielder Sangita Basfore, who scored a decisive brace against Thailand, sealed India’s berth in the tournament to be held in Australia.

Twice runners-up at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in 1979 and 1983, India are determined to rekindle the glory of their golden era. Despite a mid-table finish in the 2025 Pink Ladies Cup, Chhetri’s side impressed in the qualifiers, netting an astonishing 24 goals in just four matches. 

However, the team has not played a competitive fixture since July, and the delay in the Indian Women’s League season has limited match exposure. The Tri-Nation Tournament, therefore, comes as a crucial opportunity to assess form, test combinations, and build rhythm ahead of continental competition.

Iran’s “Persian Ladies,” led by the experienced Marziyeh Jafari, arrive in Shillong with ambitions of their own. The team claimed a silver medal at the Turkish Women’s Cup earlier this year and secured back-to-back qualifications for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup by topping Group A, which included Jordan, Bhutan, Singapore, and Lebanon. 

In the previous edition, Iran endured a tough campaign, suffering heavy defeats to China and Chinese Taipei after India’s withdrawal from their group. Drawn this time alongside Australia and South Korea, they view the Tri-Nation as valuable preparation for the stern challenges ahead.

Both teams are expected to field strong lineups featuring their key players from the qualifying rounds. For India, vice-captain Sangita Basfore remains the heartbeat of the midfield. The 29-year-old from Kalyani, known for her leadership and attacking instinct, emphasized that her ultimate dream is to guide India to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. “The AFC Women’s Asian Cup is a golden opportunity to bring that dream closer,” she said.

Iran’s hopes rest on 33-year-old striker Zahra Ghanbari, the country’s all-time top scorer, who found the net twice during the qualifiers and starred for Bam Khatoon in the AFC Women’s Champions League. Her experience and sharp finishing will be crucial against India’s disciplined backline.

The last meeting between the two sides came in the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Navi Mumbai, ending in a goalless draw. This time, with both teams eager to test their mettle and momentum before Asia’s biggest stage, Shillong promises an opening encounter full of purpose and passion.