Dhaka, Dec 4:
Defending champions Maldives will open their Bangabandhu SAFF Championship title retaining mission against Nepal in what seem to be a fascinating contest at the Bangabandhu National Stadium today. In the other match of the day India to open their title ambitions against Afghanistan.
Maldives with almost all their title winning members look forward to start with a bang with a view to mark their superiority. Nepal on the other hand will be hoping their teamwork based game will be the keyword in the crucial tie of the group B.
Maldives under new skipper Ashfaq Ali will be looking to dismantle their opponents through an attacking brand of football but Nepal having some players who played for various Bangladesh League clubs will not be in a relaxing mood.
Istvan Urbanyi, the Hungarian coach of Maldives, however, was content with his aspirations. “It would be more difficult to defend a title compared to winning the title for the first time. I am not saying this for an excuse. To win a championship a lot of factors have to work. Having a good team is just only one factor. There are other factors. You guys can see the field condition today. The way we play, we can’t play with the field like this. So I feel, almost all the teams have an equal chance” said Urbanyi.
Urbanyi also blasted his counterpart that he has three more players to win the match. Nepal coach Krishna Thapa commented that if they block three Maldives players than it would be easier for them.
Krishna Thapa was always speaking about the teamwork to enjoy a winning start. “We are in a tough group but nothing is impossible, Nepal will try to produce the best for a winning start, Maldives is the defending champions, there is no option of any complacency.” said the Nepalese coach who have playing experience for Dhaka clubs.
In the other match of the day India will look to fire full throttle against Afghanistan who disclosed very little ambition over the tournament. Sukhwinder Singh, the wily Indian coach, however, has warned his team to take anything granted. “There is no underdogs or favourites in the modern day football. I have same respect for all the teams, against Afghanistan my team will take the field firing all cylinders and we want to start with a win.” Said Indian coach.
Md. Israfeel, the Afghanistan skipper, was hoping that his teams fighting spirit will be the key. “My team is ready to fight, we have every belief that Afghanistan will not melt down under any pressure.” said the Afghan skipper.
Defending champions Maldives will open their Bangabandhu SAFF Championship title retaining mission against Nepal in what seem to be a fascinating contest at the Bangabandhu National Stadium today. In the other match of the day India to open their title ambitions against Afghanistan.Maldives with almost all their title winning members look forward to start with a bang with a view to mark their superiority. Nepal on the other hand will be hoping their teamwork based game will be the keyword in the crucial tie of the group B.
Maldives under new skipper Ashfaq Ali will be looking to dismantle their opponents through an attacking brand of football but Nepal having some players who played for various Bangladesh League clubs will not be in a relaxing mood.
Istvan Urbanyi, the Hungarian coach of Maldives, however, was content with his aspirations. “It would be more difficult to defend a title compared to winning the title for the first time. I am not saying this for an excuse. To win a championship a lot of factors have to work. Having a good team is just only one factor. There are other factors. You guys can see the field condition today. The way we play, we can’t play with the field like this. So I feel, almost all the teams have an equal chance” said Urbanyi.
Urbanyi also blasted his counterpart that he has three more players to win the match. Nepal coach Krishna Thapa commented that if they block three Maldives players than it would be easier for them.
Krishna Thapa was always speaking about the teamwork to enjoy a winning start. “We are in a tough group but nothing is impossible, Nepal will try to produce the best for a winning start, Maldives is the defending champions, there is no option of any complacency.” said the Nepalese coach who have playing experience for Dhaka clubs.
In the other match of the day India will look to fire full throttle against Afghanistan who disclosed very little ambition over the tournament. Sukhwinder Singh, the wily Indian coach, however, has warned his team to take anything granted. “There is no underdogs or favourites in the modern day football. I have same respect for all the teams, against Afghanistan my team will take the field firing all cylinders and we want to start with a win.” Said Indian coach.
Md. Israfeel, the Afghanistan skipper, was hoping that his teams fighting spirit will be the key. “My team is ready to fight, we have every belief that Afghanistan will not melt down under any pressure.” said the Afghan skipper.