India gearing up to face Bangladesh for SAFF U-18 Finals

by Rounak Majumdar September 28, 2019

India had played Bangladesh in their tournament opener of the SAFF U-18 Championship which had ended goalless. Now as the two teams gear up for the final, India U-18 Head Coach Floyd Pinto believes the “two best teams have deservingly made it to the summit clash.”

“It has been a wonderful tournament for us. Our penetration has been good, and since the first match, the boys have gone on to score 8 goals. We have prepared well, and have slowly got better. We understand that a moment of brilliance can finish proceedings in the final, and hence, would like to focus on our decision making,” the coach stated.

Referring back to opener against Bangladesh, Floyd maintained “it was a good game between different styles. The difference between us and Bangladesh is that we different playing styles. They are physical, and run a lot.”

“Our goalkeeper and captain for this tournament Prabshukhan Singh Gill suffered an injury in the first match. He will not play tomorrow but ever since he has been back, the team has got huge lift. I am looking forward to him being with us in the bench, motivating us. His presence will give the boys lot of confidence,” he declared.

Meanwhile Gill maintained “there are a lot of leaders in the team.”

“In our team it doesn’t matter who plays, or who sits out. We have players like Narender, Jitender who are leaders, both on and off the pitch. So we don’t worry at all,” he informed.

Floyd complemented Gill saying “it’s not about any individual, but the team overall.”

“It’s all about us, it’s not about any single player. It’s not about me as a coach, it’s not about Gill as a captain. Rather, it’s about us as a team. I think if we play to our potential, we can come out winners in the tournament.”

“Our National Team Head Coach has a preference for young players who are comfortable with the ball. Narender (Gahlot) had grown in confidence since his stint with the Senior Team including his header against Syria. But at the same time, we wait for Amarjit Singh, who is under rehab to join us soon.”

India is next slated to play the AFC U-19 Qualifiers which are scheduled for November.

Gill also explained that “Bangladesh is an organized team.”

“We have prepared well for the final. We have taken it match by match, and intend to carry on the momentum.”

The final will kick-off from IST 2.15pm.

CREDITS: AIFF Media