Strategic Shifts: India Women's Football Team Gears Up for Maldives Rematch
Coach Joakim Alexandersson of the Indian women's football team has made six strategic changes for an upcoming friendly against Maldives. Key players from the first match are replaced with younger talent from the U20 camp. The adjustments aim to provide experience and address defensive issues.

In a bid to refine tactics and provide opportunities for emerging talent, Coach Joakim Alexandersson has significantly reshuffled the Indian women's football team lineup ahead of their upcoming friendly match against Maldives. With six new players entering from the U20 training camp in Bengaluru, Alexandersson's strategy highlights both the need for experience at the senior level and an urgency to address certain defensive lapses.
Among those stepping down are experienced forwards Pyari Xaxa and Lynda Kom Serto, who showcased strong performances with multiple goals in the first match. Their spots, along with other seasoned players, are now occupied by promising newcomers including striker Monisha Singha and midfielder Anusha Mandala. This development follows Alexandersson's belief in balancing expertise with youthful exuberance to enhance match execution.
Reflecting on the previous performance, Alexandersson emphasized the necessity of fine-tuning defensive positioning and transitions, even against relatively weaker opponents. As a former player, he reiterated the importance of focusing on build-up play and individual positioning, citing these aspects as pivotal for future successes. The new squad members are expected to implement training strategies effectively in Thursday's rematch.
(With inputs from agencies.)