Shillong, Jan. 12: Six countries will take part in the women's football event at the 12th South Asian Games, with defending champions India clubbed with Afghanistan and Bangladesh in Group A.

Group B comprises the Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka, an official press release from the Games organisers said. Pakistan and Bhutan are skipping the discipline.

All the matches will be held at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Polo. Half of the games will be played under floodlights. The first matches will begin on February 7 and the final is on February 15.

Women's football was introduced to the South Asian Games in the last edition of the tournament in 2010 in Dhaka. India won the gold after beating Nepal in the final. Bangladesh came third. This year's hosts will start as favourites once again.

The first match of this year's tournament will be between Group B's Maldives and Sri Lanka at 2pm on February 7, before India's opener at 7pm against Afghanistan.

The semi-finals are scheduled for February 13, followed by the third-place playoff and final on February 15.

The All India Football Federation announced that the Indian women's team will have a preparatory camp for the forthcoming Games in Shillong from January 17 to February 3. Thirty-two players have been shortlisted for the camp, which will be overseen by national coach Sajid Dar.

Under-15 I-League

Royal Wahingdoh made it a perfect six today with their sixth victory in as many matches in the All-India Football Federation's Under-15 I-League (Shillong-Guwahati zone). Wahingdoh beat Guwahati FC 8-0 thanks to a hattrick by Modestar Matlai.

The Royals have 18 points and will play Lajong here on Friday. SAI Guwahati are in second place.