2020 AFC U-16 Championship Qualifiers | Overcoming the group is possible, believes coach Bibiano Fernandes
Coach Bibiabo Fernandes believes that the Indian colts can overcome the group stage of the 2020 AFC U-16 Championship Qualifiers if they play to their abilities and strengths. India will take on Turkmenistan to begin their campaign in the Qualifiers at Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on Wednesday.
The Indian boys have their plans chalked out for the opener against Turkmenistan on Wednesday, believes head coach Bibiano Fernandes.
India has been pitted against host Uzbekistan in Group B alongside Turkmenistan and Bahrain.
"This is one of the tougher groups in the AFC Qualifiers, and we have been working hard for this competition. We know getting the desired results will not be easy in any of the matches, but we believe that if we play to our ability we will overcome this group," said Fernandes to PTI.
In their first match, the Blue Colts will have their work cut-out against Turkmenistan, a challenge that Bibiano believes his boys are ready for.
"Turkmenistan will be a tough opponent in the opening game. Of course, we have been preparing for these matches for quite some time, so the boys know exactly what to do. We have our plans, and hopefully, proper execution of these plans will lead to three points tomorrow," he said.
39-year-old Bibiano Fernandes is a former Indian footballer and has already opened his account as a coach by winning the U-15 SAFF Championships. He has built up a reputation for bringing talented youngsters through the ranks, providing for a bright future for the senior national team in the years to come.
"When you find a talented player, you want to do all you can in order to not lose him. That is why it is very important to teach them how to behave from this early stage,” he added.