As part of its preparation for the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, the Indian women’s football team took part in an exposure tour in October, where they played friendlies against UAE, Tunisia, Bahrain, and Chinese Taipei. This was their first international outing under newly-appointed coach Thomas Dennerby.

Currently ranked 57th in FIFA World Rankings, it was an opportunity for the Blue Tigresses to adapt and learn the new coach’s methods and philosophy while producing good results. And they fared well, coming up with three deserved victories while suffering a narrow defeat.

Here’s how the Dennerby’s side fared during their exposure tour:

India thump UAE 4-1

The Blue Tigeresses tested their mettle against UAE on Saturday, 2 October. UAE, however ranked much lower than India at 100th position, posed a good challenge.

Manisha (20th minute), Pyari Xaxa (27th minute), Sweety Devi (41st minute) and Anju Tamang (75th minute) scored for India. The match was played behind closed doors at the UAE FA Stadium in Dubai.

India suffer a narrow 1-0 loss to Tunisia

India played against 77th ranked Tunisia on Monday, 4 October. The match was played at the same venue as before.

Tunisia took the lead in the 8th minute from a freekick by Heuij. Indians kept pushing hard and created some brilliant goal scoring opportunities. But lack of conversions eventually cost them the match.

India thrash Bahrain 5-0 in their own backyard

The Indian team flew to Bahrain to play the remaining international friendly matches. They took on the home country on Sunday, 10 October. Bahrain are ranked 85th in the FIFA chart.

Pyari Xaha scored a brace, goals coming in the 19th and 68th minute. Sangita Basfore (13th minute), Indumathi (34th minute) and Manisha (69th minute) were the other goal scorers in a one-sided performance, however, Pyari was sent off in the 73rd minute.

India pips higher-ranked Chinese Taipei 1-0

India locked horns with Chinese Taipei on Wednesday, 13 October. The Chinese Taipei side ranked 40th in the world, posed a test of character and endurance.

Renu scored in the third minute to put India in the driving seat. The Indian backline managed to hold off Chinese Taipei’s attack and seal the victory. The triumph over Chinese Taipei put the cherry on top of a brilliant outing for the Indian team.

The Indian women’s team will now fly to Sweden to play practice matches against top-tier teams, Hammarby IF and Djurgarden IF on 20th and 21st October respectively.