SAAF Cup | Subhasish Bose-led Team India to meet Sri Lanka in their first game
Tournament favorites India will take on Sri Lanka in their first encounter of the ongoing South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Cup at the Bangabandhu Stadium in Dhaka on Wednesday. Defender Subhasish Bose would lead the defending champions in their opening game of the tournament.
Indian head coach Stephen Constantine would be quite hopeful of his side to start off well in the tourney in Bangladesh. India and Sri Lanka have met 22 times before today's game and the Blue Tigers have won on 15 occasions. The Indian squad is consisting of players mostly under the age of 23.
“Subhasish has been very impressive in the recent camps. In the first few days, he had to work a lot and being a fighter, he has made a strong comeback. I’m very proud of him and obviously, it’s going to be a very special moment for him,” said Constantine, reported PTI.
India
“We’re coming from a very effective camp in Australia. As we have spoken before we had three very different sorts of game and our boys have worked very hard to make a point there. Facing some of the good sides in this tournament would be a real challenge for us and this is the best scenario to test ourselves,” informed Constantine.
“Then comes Farukh, Manvir, Passi who have minimal international experiences so far. We need more Indian strikers and these boys have shown their potential. Regarding Passi, he’ll have as much chance as anyone else to get into the AFC Asian Cup squad.”
The newly-appointed Sri Lankan coach Nizam Packeer Ali has been of the opinion that they will not be under a lot of pressure with India as their opponents. With India not sending their strongest squad in the tournament, the Lankan side would play with a positive frame of mind.
“There are no favourites once the match kicks-off and the better team will win eventually. It’s very crucial to start the campaign with a positive result and we’re up for it,” Nizam informed.
“It’s better to face India early in such a tournament rather facing them in the knock-out stage. I am new to the team and I’m trying to get along with a new set of players. We are following the Sri Lanka Football Vision 2030 plan and I’m happy with the progress so far.”
The seven-time champions India have been put in Group B along with island nations Maldives, and Sri Lanka while Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal and Pakistan are in the other group.
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