Panaji: India have been dealt a heavy blow with experienced midfielder Anju Tamang ruled out of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup.The attacking midfielder with over 70 appearances for India was the seniormost player in the team. She was also an automatic starter for all friendlies, among the goals too. But an injury during training early this week has ended her dream of playing in the Asian Cup.Anju had also missed the Asian Cup in 2022 after hosts India were scratched out of the tournament with several players testing Covid-positive.An Indian Women’s League (IWL) champion with East Bengal last season, Anju has now been replaced with Karishma Shirvaikar.India head to Australia looking to punch above their weight and qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup for the first time. India have been placed in group C, alongside Vietnam (March 4), Japan (March 7) and Chinese Taipei (March 10).The top two sides from each group, along with the two best third-placed teams, will progress to the quarterfinals.The four quarter-final winners qualify for the Women’s World Cup, while the losing quarterfinalists will contest the play-offs for the two remaining direct spots allocated to Asian nations. The two play-off losers will have another chance of qualifying for Brazil via the Play-off tournament.
