SAFF Cup Final: We respect Maldives but fear no one: Constantine

A day prior to taking on Maldives in the final of the SAFF Suzuki Cup, National Coach Stephen Constantine declared that though they “respect Maldives,” India fears “no one.”
“Even though we have won against them in the group stage, we can’t afford to disrespect them especially after their performance against Nepal. They scored on counter attacks and the last 2 goals within 15 minutes sealed the fate of the match,” he uttered.
“We have to keep in mind that three of their main players didn’t play against us. They have our full respect but we fear no one,” he reiterated. India have won so far 7 SAFF Championship titles while they have qualified to the final 10 times out of the 11 editions of SAFF Championship.
“It’s a pleasure for us to be here. We had a good game in the semi-finals two days ago and hence, we are here. Now, everyone is fit and raring to give it a shot tomorrow,” the Coach added.
Skipper Subhasish Bose who also attended the press conference expressed that that team is all geared up to give their best on the pitch to retain the trophy. “We will try our best to retain the trophy. We have been preparing well for the last six and half weeks and now we are in the final. We need to hold our nerves and give our best so that we can get back home with the trophy.”
India have faced off with Maldives thrice before in the SAFF Championship final (1997, 2008 and 2009) having pipped them twice but Constantine brushed it aside stating that it’ll be a different ball game tomorrow. “Records don’t speak much because it’s not going to be the same team. Everyone will work hard and churn out the positive result. Hopefully, we can continue the good work and accomplish the target.”
Meanwhile, Lallianzuala Chhhangte was given the marching orders in the semi-final against Pakistan and coach felt ‘he will be missed’, “He (Chhangte) is an important player for us. In England, we call these ‘handbags’ (smiles).”
There has been a sizable section of Indian fans who have turned up to cheer for India and the skipper thanked them for all their support. “We would like to thank the Indian supporters in Bangladesh who have flocked down to the stadium in numbers to cheer for us. You have been simply outstanding and we would require it tomorrow as well. On the behalf of the team, I would like to request everyone to come down to the Bangabandhu Stadium tomorrow so that we can win the trophy together.”
The match is scheduled to kick-off at IST 6.30pm and will be telecast live on D Sport.
(Picture courtesy: Lagardere Sports)
– Courtesy AIFF Media
Also Read: We are nowhere close to India & my first target is to close that gap: Pakistan Coach Jose Nogueira
Also Read: SAFF Cup: Manvir, Passi on point as India breeze past Pakistan to enter final
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more updated on Mumbai & Indian Football
Feature / MFA / Youth Football
D’souza Football Academy leaves a strong mark in MFA Award Nights for YPL 2023-24 season
D’souza Football Academy has once again solidified its position as a leading force in Mumbai’s youth football scene picking up 17 nominations and 3 wins in Individual award categories during…
Bright young talents shaping the future of Indian Football: ISL 2024–25 Season Wrap
The Indian Super League (ISL) has consistently served as a launch pad for India’s most promising football talent — from Sandesh Jhingan, Jeje Lalpekhlua to Sahal Abdul Samad, the platform has given…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
Mumbai Premier League 2024-25: A Season in Numbers
The Mumbai Premier League (MPL) 2024-25 concluded in spectacular fashion with India On Track FC (IoT FC) dethroning the defending champions MYJ-GM on the final day, ending an exhilarating season…
Game on! BigHit presents Bundesliga Dream India Nationals head to Mumbai
The second edition of BigHit presents Bundesliga Dream India U13 & U15 National Finals, in association with The Football League, is ready to bring the heat to the Palava Football…
Iker Guarrotxena hat-trick powers FC Goa into Kalinga Super Cup quarter-finals
FC Goa marched into the quarter-finals of the Kalinga Super Cup 2025 with a dominant 3-0 win over Gokulam Kerala FC courtesy of Iker Guarrotxena hat-trick. Spanish midfielder Iker Guarrotxena…
Punjab FC announces squad for Kalinga Super Cup ahead of their match against Odisha FC
Punjab FC, announced their squad for the Kalinga Super Cup ahead of their Round of 16 match against Odisha FC which will be played tomorrow at the Kalinga Stadium in…
Indian football mourns the loss of lives in Pahalgam terrorist attack
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) expressed condolences to the victims of the Pahalgam terrorist attack. A minute silence was observed in the Kalinga Super Cup 2025 in remembrance On…
South United FC Announces Trials in Pune for their Residential Academy in Bangalore
South United Football Club has announced its next set of trials for its new Residential Academy, which will be held in Pune. The trials will take place at the Club’s…
Corporate Football / MFA Elite Corporate League / Trials
Bank of India announces open trial for Mumbai Corporate League Campaign
Bank of India is set to make its mark in the Mumbai Corporate League and is looking for exceptional football talent to bolster its squad. The trial is scheduled for…
India Khelo Football Workshop returns to Mumbai for its 4th Season
The Indian Khelo Football (IKF) Workshop returns to Mumbai this September, bringing with it an exceptional platform for aspiring footballers to showcase their skills and seize opportunities that could transform…
MFA / Mumbai Super League / Trials
Somaiya FC announces trials for the upcoming 2024-25 Season
Somaiya FC, having secured a commendable 5th position in the MFA Super Division last season, has announced open trials as they gear up for upcoming season. The team, known for…
VR Academy to conduct trials for 2024-25 Season
Mumbai based VR Academy has announced trials for the upcoming 2024-25 season. The club is looking for talented young players to join our esteemed academy and participate in various competitive…
MH ORANJE FC U-17 Trials for the Upcoming Season
With a proud legacy of nurturing talent and achieving excellence, Maharashtra Oranje FC has recently made waves with appearances in I-League 2, securing a remarkable runner-up position in the fiercely…
Football School of India announce trials for Young Talents
Football School of India (FSI) has announced trials for young football enthusiasts in the upcoming week of June. A golden opportunity for aspiring players to showcase their talents and potentially…
Mumbai Super League club Charkop FC to conduct open trials for upcoming Season
Calling all aspiring football stars! Charkop FC, a MFA super division club based in Charkop, Kandivali, is set to conduct Open Trials for the upcoming season. About Charkop FC: In…
Academy / Football Academy / Trials
Mumbai 42 Football Academy to conduct trials for Youth players
Newly established Mumbai 42 Football Academy will be conducting trials for young footballers in the upcoming week.
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…