Jordon, April 8: India’s senior women’s team head coach Thomas Dennerby stressed on the importance of building for the longer term, ahead of the Blue Tigresses’ friendly against Jordan here on Saturday. The visiting side had played its first of its two friendlies against Egypt, which they won 1-0, and will now follow it up with a match against hosts Jordan. “We are trying to build for the longer term. We need to start giving match time to the younger players.
The focus is not so much on the results, though we do want to win,” said the 62-year-old coach. “The main focus is on performance and giving opportunities to young players,” he maintained. On her debut young midfielder, Priyangka Dev stole the limelight as she scored the only winner against Egypt.
“It was a memorable night for me against Egypt. It was my first match for the senior team, and I also managed to score the goal for my country, which makes it all the more special,” said Priyangka. “I hope to continue in this form and do greater things for my nation.” she told the All India Football Federation (AIFF). Thomas Dennerby said “It’s a good way to start playing games again. A small three-nation tournament – there is no special reason behind it other than to build for the future,” said Dennerby. “The aim should be to play games in every open FIFA window, and add some extra games before competitions. That is normally enough.”
India will take on Jordan at the Prince Mohammed Stadium in Zarqa, Jordan on Saturday. UNI
