Kathmandu: It was in 2018 in the AFC U19 Women’s Qualifiers that the then-Indian girls had romped home to an 18-0 victory against Pakistan.
Two names who can never be erased from our minds from that encounter are Renu and Soumya Guguloth.
Renu had put up a five-star performance scoring five goals, while Soumya had scored a brace in that match.
Four years later, these two girls are with the women’s senior national team and are all set to play in India’s opening encounter against Pakistan in the SAFF Women’s Championship.
“It gives me goosebumps every time we play against Pakistan. We are mentally, and physically confident, and aim to put up a strong performance,” Renu told the AIFF media team.
“I gave my best in my last match against Pakistan. But this time it will be for the senior team. It’s not just me, but everyone is geared up. If I get a chance I will surely love to score,” she added.
When asked about her experience of facing Pakistan, Soumya said: “An Indo-Pak clash is always an exciting one, and both teams will be going all out to win it.”
Captain Ashalata Devi who had also faced Pakistan in the SAFF Women’s Championship in 2014 recalled her memories. She believes the team is much more focussed at the moment.
“Our first match against Pakistan will be a crucial one. We want to give our best. It will be a high-intensity match for sure. They have a new team. But we fear none. It is important to be focused, and we are working very hard to do the right things in every possible way”, the skipper said.
