Gokulam Kerala FC become first Indian women's club to play in continental football championship
Kolkata/UNI: For the first time in the history, Gokulam Kerala FC, an Indian women football club, will play in the continental championship and face Amman SC, Jordan league champions, in the opening match of AFC Women’s Club Championship in Aqaba (Jordan) Sunday night.
The Malabarians have sent a strong contingent of five foreigners and ten national team players.
Priya PV, current assistant coach of the Indian Senior Women’s National Team, said: "In India, women’s football is growing exponentially. If we win the Championship, it will be a huge boost to our women footballers in the country. We have a good, strong squad, and aim for nothing short of a title."
"We have no idea about the playing style of the Indian team. So, we will stick to ours. Being the host, our players will put all efforts to win the first match, and kick-off our campaign in style," said Amman SC Head Coach Khalid Nimar.
Amman SC, who has recently won the Jordanian league, will be spearheaded by captain and striker Jbarah -- the most prolific scorer with 113 goals in 110 appearances.
Gokulam Kerala FC have recruited two strikers – Elshaddai Acheampong from Ghana, and Karen Stefanny Paez from Colombia.
Myanmar's winger/forward Win Theingi Tun, along with Puerto Rican midfielder Adriana Tirado and Ghana's defender Susan Ama Duah, will also represent Gokulam.
The Indian National team also include Dangmei Grace, Aditi Chauhan, Dalima Chhibber, Manisha Kalyan, Ranjana Chanu and Soumya.
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