BENGALURU: Eight-time champions India will likely be raring to go within the semifinals of the SAFF Championship in opposition to Lebanon on the Sree Kanteerava stadium right here on Saturday.
Nevertheless, the Sunil Chhetri-led facet will likely be hampered by the absence of head coach Igor Stimac, key defender Sandesh Jhingan (two yellow playing cards) and striker Rahim Ali, who’re serving suspensions.Rahim got here on as an alternative in opposition to Kuwait however was despatched off following a brawl within the second half.
Chhetri tried to minimize the absence of the coach. “In fact, you need the boss to be there. However virtually the entire preparations are carried out together with his involvement,” the skipper mentioned on the eve of the match. “I’ll all the time miss Sandesh as a result of he by no means likes to lose however whoever is available in his place will do justice and provides his finest.”
Requested in regards to the high-pressing and intense recreation in opposition to Kuwait that noticed three crimson playing cards, Chhetri, who scored in all of the three matches right here, mentioned the workforce had gelled nicely over the past 45 days. “We have been jittery to begin with as all of us had a protracted 12 months. Now the mix is at its peak. However let’s not get carried away. After all of the laborious work, we do not need to let it go as probably we’ve got two matches in hand. Lots of boys together with Mahesh (Singh) and (Lallianzuala) Chhangte have carried out nicely and Sandesh was excellent all year long.
“It isn’t straightforward for a younger participant to get into the primary XI and that is what Mahesh has carried out. What helps while you play groups like Lebanon, you get an concept of how Syria and Uzbekistan, a high workforce, is perhaps. We’re going to face Australia (within the Asia Cup) so in matches like these it offers you an concept of their stage,” mentioned the skipper, including that he had no concept how lengthy he would have the ability to proceed.
Chhetri, Maatouk in focus
India have been held goalless by Lebanon within the preliminary spherical within the Intercontinental Cup in Bhubaneswar earlier than beating the West Asian nation 2-Zero within the remaining. Assistant coach Mahesh Gawli mentioned the expertise of dealing with them twice just lately will assist the hosts. “We have now carried out our greatest to recuperate after enjoying so many matches in a short while. Will probably be a tricky match for us however our boys are motivated and need to proceed (the nice work),” Gawli mentioned. “They’re good technically and we have to be careful for his or her No. 7 (Hassan Maatouk). However we’ve got a plan for him.”
Chhetri was positive the followers would get their cash’s value within the second semifinal. “We have now been handled to some excellent help in the previous few video games and I am fairly positive Bengaluru goes to show up once more for the semifinals. In case you want any added motivation – then it is the semifinal and it is in Bengaluru. Lebanon additionally will need to avenge their defeat. In all, it is correct leisure so do not miss out.”
Lebanon coach Aleksandar Ilic mentioned there have been no secrets and techniques between the 2 groups now and added that Chhetri will likely be their goal. “We will likely be with out two gamers who performed in Bhubaneswar as they’re busy with their commitments. However we’ll discipline our greatest workforce. This recreation is essential to us and we’re motivated. Will probably be essential to attain first,” the coach mentioned.
