India wary of Afghan threat
Defending champions take on spirited challengers in final today
India could not have got worthier opponents in the final. Afghanistan have created waves with their spirited football and their passion for the game has been infectious.
The defending champions have undoubtedly emerged as the team to beat in the SAFF championship, but on Sunday they will have to be on guard. Afghanistan have been a revelation, enticing and exciting with their hunger to compete and win.
Entering the tournament as minnows, they surprised India by holding them to a 1-1 draw in the opening game and then delighted even the sceptics with their sublime athleticism.
The fact more than half of their players ply their trade in American and Europe has also worked in their favour and the team has a healthy mix of youth and experience, something which India coach, Savio Medeira readily acknowledges and “respects”.
“They are unexpected finalists. But they are very strong technically. They have improved with every match and that is why they are here in the final. Many of their players are playing in the US, Germany and Syria, so they have played a lot of football outside. We respect them,” Medeira said.
The suicide bomb in Kabul, which took at least 56 lives, also included the cousins of an Afghan player Mustafa Hashimi. The team played their quarterfinal match against Bhutan in pain and later dedicated their 8-1 victory to Hashimi.
Their desire to win it for the people back home was apparent in Friday’s semifinal match, when they eked out a nervy 1-0 victory at against Nepal in extra time. The win triggered wild celebrations in the Afghanistan camp, the players hugging and dancing along with hundreds of Afghan fans.
“We don’t play for the prize. We play for the people back home and it is for them we want to win the tournament. The win matters a lot to us,” Afghanistan coach Mohammad Yousof Kargar said.
It is this passion which India, a five-time champion, need to be wary of.
Afghanistan forward Balal Arezo, who plays in Norway and scored the extra-time winner against Nepal, has scored six goals and has found an able partner in Sandjar Ahmadi.
Defence crucial
The two can cause havoc if not reined in by the Indian defence. Their midfield is also compact with Mohammad Esrafil pulling the strings.
The Indian defence, which has always been found wanting, cannot afford to slacken. India’s strength is their strikers Sunil Chhetri and Jeje Lalpekhlua. They have improved with every match and the midfield, spearheaded by Syed Rahim Nabi, has done a commendable job too.
Nabi is one player who has stood out, playing his heart out in various positions. Chhettri has lived up to the expectations of the home crowd, slotting six goals.
Kargar said his team will start as the “under-dogs”.
“When we played India in the first match, I had said if there is one team which deserves to be in the final, it is India. They are the better side among the eight teams and has the advantage of home conditions,” he said. “We are under-dogs. But we are better prepared to face them after the first match."
Medeira, who preferred this tournament to be an under-23 affair, said the team will not be making any changes in their game plan.
“We will stick to the same game plan like in the first match. Sunil Chhetri’s form is a plus point for us. But everyone in the team is in good form. The boys have worked hard and are aware what is expected of them,” he said.
