COLOMBO, SRI LANKA: In a final brimming with drama and tension, the India U17 men’s national team held their nerve to defeat Bangladesh 4-1 on penalties and lift their seventh SAFF U17 Championship title at the Racecourse International Stadium in Colombo on Saturday, September 27, 2025.

In a contest where India led 2-1 at half-time with goals from Dallamuon Gangte (4’) and Azlaan Shah KH (38’), Bangladesh clawed back with a last-gasp equaliser from Ihsan Habib Riduan to level things up at 2-2 and force a shootout. But it were the Blue Colts who held their composure when it mattered most.

The penalty shootout saw India showing maturity beyond their age. Dallalmuon Gangte, Korou Meitei Konthoujam, and Indra Rana Magar converted with aplomb before Shubham Poonia slotted home the decisive fourth kick. Bangladesh, by contrast, crumbled under pressure. Md Ikramul Islam struck the crossbar, Md Azam Khan saw his effort saved by Manashjyoti Baruah, and although Md Manik converted their third attempt, it was too late. India erupted in celebration, reclaiming their throne in emphatic fashion.

India began the match with vigour and aggression, fully aware that Bangladesh had not conceded a single goal throughout the tournament. The breakthrough came as early as the 4th minute, when Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam whipped in a cross from the left. After a Bangladeshi defender attempted to clear, the ball rebounded kindly, and Gangte made no mistake with the second attempt to give India the perfect start.

While India continued to dominate possession, their inability to convert more chances into goals kept Bangladesh in the hunt. Slowly but surely, Bangladesh grew into the game and found their equaliser in the 24th minute. After a long-range attempt from Nazmul Huda Faysal forced a diving save from Baruah, Bangladesh capitalised from the resulting corner. Faysal floated the ball in, and it eventually fell to Manik, who nodded it home from close range.

The goal injected life into Bangladesh’s play. They came agonisingly close again in the 29th minute when Md Opu Rahman’s header struck the woodwork. India’s defence suddenly found themselves tested, but Baruah remained composed, pulling off multiple saves to deny the Bangladeshi forwards.

India, however, showed their resolve by regaining the lead in the 38th minute, thanks to a defensive lapse from Bangladesh. Once again, Gunleiba wreaked havoc down the left and delivered a dangerous cross. The Bangladesh goalkeeper failed to gather cleanly, allowing Azlaan Shah Kh to pounce on the rebound. Md Ikramul Islam had the chance to block the shot on the goal line, but Azlaan’s powerful left-footer sneaked past to put India 2-1 ahead before half-time.

The second half saw India adopt a more pragmatic approach, content with protecting their slender lead. Bangladesh pressed forward, looking for an equaliser, and Islam nearly made amends in the 49th minute with a glancing header from a corner, but Baruah again was alert.

A fierce strike from Faysal in the 50th minute hit the crossbar, underlining how close the match was. India, too, had chances to finish the game. In the 88th minute, Lesvin Rebelo’s header from a corner rattled the bar, while Gangte also forced a good save from distance.

However, just when India seemed destined to win in regulation time, Bangladesh delivered a sting in the tail. In the seventh minute of added time, Md Sabbir Islam launched a desperate long throw into the Indian box. Amid chaos and indecision, Ihsan Habib Riduan capitalised on a loose ball to smash it in and send the final into a penalty shootout.

Yet, the night ultimately belonged to Bibiano Fernandes’ brave young side, who held their nerve under the floodlights to emerge victorious. It was the fifth SAFF title for Fernandes, and the second in less than five months, adding to the SAFF U19 crown won in Arunachal Pradesh in May.

India U17: Manashjyoti Baruah (GK), Indra Rana Magar, Shubham Poonia, Thanggoumang Touthang (Diamond Singh Thokchom 75′), Rahan Ahmed (Lesvin Rebelo 65′), Dallalmuon Gangte, Lawmsangzuala, Azlaan Shah Kh (Aazim Parveez Najar 75′), Md Aimaan Bin (Korou Meitei Konthoujam 90+1′), Wangkheirakpam Gunleiba (Kamgouhou Doungel 90+1′), Denny Singh Wangkhem (C).

Credits: AIFF Media

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COLOMBO, SRI LANKA: In a commanding performance, the India U-17 men’s national team brushed aside Nepal with a comprehensive 3-0 victory to book their place in the final of the SAFF U-17 Championship 2025. The semi-final, held at the Racecourse International Stadium on Thursday, 25 September 2025, saw the defending champions finally convert their dominance into goals, setting up a title clash against Bangladesh, who earlier defeated Pakistan 2-0.

Wangkheirakpam Gunleiba (61’) and substitutes Azlaan Shah Kh (80’) and Diamond Singh Thokchom (90+4’) were the scorers as the Blue Colts notched up their fourth consecutive win in the tournament.

While the scoreline at half-time remained goalless, it belied India’s authority and composure on the ball. India displayed maturity beyond their years, orchestrating attacks through smart distribution and wide play, keeping Nepal on the back foot for most of the half. The only concern for head coach Bibiano Fernandes’ side was the lack of clinical finishing, an issue that prevented them from going into the break with a comfortable cushion.

India’s first real opportunity came amidst a scramble in the box when Wangkheirakpam Gunleiba fired goalwards, only to be thwarted by a sharp block from a Nepal defender. The chance sparked further urgency in the Indian ranks. Moments later, Md Aimaan floated in a delightful cross from the left which fell to Dallalmuon Gangte, but the usually dependable forward couldn’t find the target.

Defensively, India were watertight. The midfield closed down space with discipline while the backline cut off passing channels, leaving Nepal with little choice but to attempt long-range efforts. One such effort by Pratis Thapa Magar, a powerful drive from the edge of the box, forced a full-stretch save from goalkeeper Manashjyoti Baruah.

Just before the interval, India nearly took the lead. A cross from the left caught the Nepal custodian off his line. Kamgouhao Doungel, perfectly placed at the far post, hesitated to take the shot first time, opting instead to control the ball, an error that allowed Nepal’s defence to regroup and clear.

The breakthrough finally came in the 61st minute. Denny Singh Wangkhem fed a low ball from the right into the Nepal penalty area. Gangte cleverly dummied the pass, wrong-footing the entire backline and goalkeeper. The ball landed at the feet of Gunleiba, who calmly slotted it home to open the scoring and break Nepal’s resistance.

The second goal came in the 80th minute, the result of a classic counter-attack. Substitute Azlaan Shah received a pass down the left and charged forward with blistering pace. A sharp change of direction left his marker stumbling, before he unleashed a thunderous and spectacular strike into the net.

India wrapped up the match in stoppage time. Gunleiba’s low cross beat the Nepal defence and fell invitingly for another substitute, Diamond Singh Thokchom, who tapped in from close range to cap off a clinical performance and spark wild celebrations in the Indian camp.

India: Manashjyoti Baruah (GK), Maldino Singh Yumnam (Lawmsangzuala None 45′), Indra Magar, Shubham Poonia, Thanggoumang Touthang, Kamgouhao Doungel (Azlaan Shah Kh 45′), Rahan Ahmed, Dallalmuon Gangte (Nitishkumar Meitei Yengkhom 88′), Md Aimaan Bin, Wangkheirakpam Gunleiba, Denny Singh Wangkhem (C).

Credits: AIFF Media

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COLOMBO, SRI LANKA: The India U17 men’s national team began their SAFF U17 Championship 2025 title defence in an emphatic fashion as they cruised to a 6-0 demolition of Maldives in their opening Group B encounter at the Racecourse International Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on Tuesday, September 16, 2025.

The Blue Colts were clinical and commanding from the first whistle as they sliced through the Maldives defence at will and announced their championship intent with a fluid, attacking performance.

Dallalmuon Gangte struck twice, while Hrishikesh Charan Manavathi, Kamgouhao Doungel, Wangkheirakpam Gunleiba, and Aazim Parveez Najar joined the scoresheet in what was a complete performance at both ends of the pitch.

The match was barely settling when India seized control. Bibiano Fernandes’ side played with high press and kept possession with confident passing patterns. They also constantly switched flanks to pull the Maldives defence out of shape, with Wangkheirakpam Gunleiba in particular proving unplayable on the left wing. His pace and intelligent crossing repeatedly carved open spaces in the final third.

India took the lead in the 12th minute. Wangkheirakpam darted past his marker, cut inside and whipped in a delightful ball. Manavathi cleverly dummied the cross, deceiving the Maldives goalkeeper completely and leaving Gangte with a simple conversion into an empty net.

India doubled their advantage in the 29th minute. It was again Wangkheirakpam creating the havoc, blazing down the left and squaring a low ball for Manavathi, who muscled past Ibrahim Avsam Abdulla to steer in the second.

Maldives offered little in response. Aside from speculative attempts from Aakif Bin Mohammed and Aidh Mohammed Jaweez, the islanders were second best in every department.

The Blue Colts continued their rout in the second half too and extended their lead further in the 49th minute. After being teed up by Denny Singh Wangkhem, Wangkheirakpam provided his third assist of the match with a cross across the face of the Maldives goal and Doungel powered his shot into the roof of the net.

Wangkheirakpam then crowned his stellar performance with a goal of his own in the 58th minute. After Wangkhem stole the ball high up the pitch, he released Wangkheirakpam, who left his defender in the dust before unleashing a thunderous left-footed strike into the far corner.

Maldives’ composure disintegrated under constant waves of Indian attacks and, in the 68th minute, the harassed Avsam Abdulla brought down Rahan Ahmed in the box. Gangte stepped up from the spot and confidently slotted home his second of the match, making it 5-0.

But India weren’t done. With four minutes remaining, Azlaan Shah floated in a teasing cross from the right which substitute Aazim Parveez Najar met with a precise header, rounding off the rout in the 86th minute.

Credits: AIFF Media

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All seven SAFF nations are taking part in this year’s edition. Group A consists of hosts Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bangladesh, while Group B will see the Blue Colts go up against Maldives, Bhutan, and Pakistan. The top two from each will advance to the semi-finals on September 25. The final will be held on September 27. India are the defending champions, having won the SAFF U17 title in Bhutan last year after beating Bangladesh 2-0 in the final.

The Blue Colts’ head coach, Bibiano Fernandes, is gunning for his record fifth SAFF title, the fourth one coming as recently as May 2025, when he led India to the SAFF U19 title in Arunachal Pradesh. He was also in charge of the Indian side that lifted the SAFF U17 Championship 2022 in Sri Lanka.

Now entrusted with leading the current U17 batch, which comprises 2009 and later-born players, Fernandes praised the team’s dedication and commitment in preparation. “The players have spent nearly two months in Goa undergoing rigorous training. We are delighted to be here in Sri Lanka, and we also appreciate the hosts’ warm hospitality,” he said.

India’s 23-member squad was finalised after a thorough scouting effort that was shortlisted and narrowed down from a pool of 86 players through various trials beginning in July. Fernandes explained, “We cast the net as wide as possible to ensure depth and provide opportunities. The past two months have been about gelling as a unit. We’ve used this time not only to prepare for SAFF but also to gear up for the AFC U17 Asian Cup Qualifiers that lie ahead.”

Amid the excitement of defending the crown, Fernandes stressed the need to stay focused and grounded. “We would like to focus on the present rather than the past. Right now, we are only thinking about the first match against Maldives. We will give our best and take each match as it comes,” he said.

Captain Wangkhem Denny Singh, who plays in midfield, echoed the tinges of his coach’s words. “We worked really hard during the last two months in Goa, and we are prepared to give our best here,” said the skipper

India’s opening rivals, Maldives, have arrived in Sri Lanka after a camp of two weeks. Their Head coach, Sabah Mohamed Ibrahim, was candid about the challenge. “Technically, our players are fine, but we lack international exposure and friendly matches,” he said. Looking ahead to the clash against India, he added, “India are the favourite nation in this group. They have been winning consistently and have the strongest setup. Our approach against them will be different from Pakistan or Bhutan. For us, India are the benchmark team here.”

The Blue Colts will also take on Bhutan on September 19 and Pakistan on September 22 in the group stage. While the immediate task is navigating the SAFF U17 Championship, Fernandes is equally focused on the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers, scheduled for November this year in Ahmedabad.

Credits: AIFF Media

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Riding on Monirul Molla’s headed goal in the first half, India were looking to take control by widening the gap, but a scuffle between players from both sides resulted in three red cards – two for India and one for Bhutan – which threatened to change the entire complexion of the game. Despite Bhutan creating plenty of pressure in the remainder of the contest to capitalise on their man advantage, India kept them at bay and came out with all three points.

India got on the front foot from the get-go, taking control of possession and playing with a high backline as Bhutan settled deep in their third. Gurnaj Singh Grewal attempted India’s first shot as he intercepted a pass from goalkeeper Lhocho Nima and pulled the trigger from more than 40 yards out, but Nima backtracked in time and collected the ball.

India looked dangerous from set-pieces, particularly with Kelvin Singh Taorem’s curling deliveries. In the 14th minute, he whipped in a free-kick which was met by Thomas Cherian in the six-yard box but he could only send his glancing header wide.

On a rare foray forward, Bhutan registered their first shot of the match when captain Pema Zangpo was fouled by Cherian near the by-line. With the resulting free-kick, Zangpo set up Jignam Dorji, whose first-time shot was blocked by Manjot Singh Dhami.

With Bhutan cramping out spaces through the middle, India resorted to long-range attempts as well. Kelvin went for the spectacular from 35 yards but ballooned it way over the crossbar. Korou Singh Thingujam’s dipping shot five minutes later was slightly better, but it missed the target by a few inches.

Sensing a glorious opportunity, Korou burst into the box from the right and went for a low strike but it missed the far post by merely a few inches after being deflected by Kinley Penjoy.

Finally, India’s breakthrough arrived from a Kelvin corner in the 37th minute. Monirul Molla rose highest to meet his looping delivery and accurately headed it into the bottom corner to put the Blue Colts 1-0 up.

Kelvin’s corners continued to trouble Bhutan in the second half too as in the 52nd minute, Ebindas Yesudasan’s header narrowly missed the bottom corner. A little later, Korou headed wide from Kelvin’s chipped cross amidst pressure from the Bhutan goalkeeper.

In a startling turn of events, Bhutan’s Kinley Gyeltshen and India’s Pramveer and Vanlalpeka Guite, who hadn’t even touched the ball after coming on, were shown the red card following a scuffle in the 69th minute. India were reduced to nine for the remainder of the match, while Bhutan had 10 players. In the very next minute, Molla paced from the halfway line to the Bhutan box, escaping several yellow shirts but was eventually thwarted by Nima in a one-on-one situation.

After maintaining the deficit at 0-1, Bhutan began piling pressure on India with their man advantage. Jigme Namgyel came close twice, hitting the side netting and then flashing a low shot wide of the far post. Rigzin Dorji stuck his foot out to get on the end of a long ball in the box, almost catching Priyansh Dubey out of position, but he recovered to collect the ball.

The 10 minutes of injury time were perhaps as eventful as the entire 90 minutes before that as both India and Bhutan had chances to alter the scoreline. In the 93rd minute, Gwgwmsar Goyary sneaked his way in the box and beat Nima to set it on a plate for Manglenthang Kipgen, but Penjoy was on hand to block it from point-blank range. In the 99th minute, Kipgen’s lobbed effort from 25 yards was pushed onto the crossbar by Nima’s fingertips, before the final chance of the match fell for Bhutan as Zangpo slid behind the Indian defence and poked a left-footed shot which struck the post.

India XI: Priyansh Dubey (GK), Ricky Meetei Haobam (C), Thomas Cherian, Pramveer, Manjot Singh Dhami, Korou Singh Thingujam, Gurnaj Singh Grewal (Manglenthang Kipgen 63′), Ebindas Yesudasan (Vanlalpeka Guite 63′), Monirul Molla (Gwgwmsar Goyary 84′), Malemngamba Singh Thokchom, Kelvin Singh Taorem (Surajkumar Singh Ngangbam 72′)

– Courtesy AIFF Media

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Complete control was the game’s name as the Blue Colts sealed their berth in the final in style, with Mohammad Arbash and Aiborlang Kharthangmaw netting a brace each. Vishal Yadav, Mohammed Kaif, Levis Zangminlun, and Manbhakupar Malngiang netted a goal apiece.

India led 2-0 at the half time and pumped in half a dozen more after the change of ends. India were in command from the very start, with efforts from Bharat and Levis, which went wide, setting the tone of the proceedings.

The first real chance of the game came when Samson Ahongshanbam’s cross from the left was aimed perfectly at Bharat, whose glancing header went inches wide.

In what turned out to be a deviation in tactics from the last game, right winger Vishal Yadav began to play a more central role, often pulling the Maldives fullback Ahmed Mikyal Muyeen in with him as Levis drifted wide into the space on the wing.

India finally got the breakthrough that they deserved, in the 21st minute, when Karish Soram chipped an aerial through ball as Yadav caused some confusion in the Maldives defence with his diagonal run into the box. He scampered in between two defenders, received the ball and slotted it home with great aplomb.

A little over the half hour mark, Bharat snuck in between the lines and had a crack, but Maldives keeper Ahmed Mifzal was on hand to make the save.

India doubled their lead in the 36th minute when a Mate Ngamgouhou corner was nodded in by Kaif, as the Blue Colts went into the dressing room at the break with a comfortable lead.

The changeover did not change any fortunes for the Maldives, as India came out with more determination to put the game beyond a single shadow of a doubt. Yaipharemba Chingkham cut in from the left and threaded a pass through to Levis, who slotted it into the far post with the inside of his boot.

India head coach Ishfaq Ahmed soon made a host of changes, bringing on Manbhakupar, Yoihenba Meitei, and Aiborlang for Bharat, Mate, and Yadav, respectively. The changes instantly paid further dividends as Aiborlang and Manbhakupar added two more goals in the 62nd and 70th minutes, respectively.

The fourth and fifth goals were split by a rather unusual substitution, as India goalkeeper Suraj Singh came off, giving Rohit the opportunity to get some game time in.

In the closing exchanges, Mohammad Arbash netted two goals, with Aiborlang scoring his own second in between, as India completed the 8-0 rout.

The Blue Colts will now face Bangladesh in the final, who defeated Pakistan 2-1 in the second semifinal. The final is set to kick off on Sunday, September 10, 2023, at 5.30 pm IST.

FT: India (Vishal Yadav 22’, Mohammed Kaif 36’, Levis Zangminlun 53’, Aibirlang Kharthangmaw 62’, 82’, Manbhakupar Malngiang 70’, Mohammad Arbash 77’, 84’) 8 – 0 Maldives

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Following the final whistle, Indian Football fans erupted on social media, as they showed their jubilation over the victory by the Indian Team. People joined in on Twitter as wishes started to pour in from all sides.

AIFF President Mr. Praful Patel was one of the first people to congratulate the team on their victory.

Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Shri Anurag Thakur also sent in his best wishes, along with the most notable moments of the match.

Mr. Aaditya Thackeray, the President of the Mumbai District Football Association and one of the young leaders in India, praised the Blue Tigers for their astounding feat on Saturday.

The AFC (Asian Football Confederation), the Sports Authority of India, the Sports and Youth Services department of Odisha, and Khelo India also wished the team for their achievements in Maldives.

Indian skipper Sunil Chhetri was quick to reflect on the team’s achievements as well, especially praising the likes of Sahal Abdul Samad and Suresh Singh.

Bollywood superstar and Chennaiyin FC co-owner Abhishek Bachchan also sent in in his best wishes following the final whistle.

Indian embassy in Nepal and Maldives also congratulated the team on winning the 8th SAFF Championship in history.

Women’s Hockey Team captain, Rani Rampal and former Men’s Tennis team captain, Mustafa Ghouse, also congratulated the team on their success in the SAFF Championship.

Cricketers Manoj Tiwari and Munaf Patel congratulated the team on their win.

The domestic leagues in Indian Football did not hold back in their praise for the national team as well!

Following the win, the Blue Tigers themselves could not control their excitement as they posted messages on social media.

Indian skipper Sunil Chhetri also swept all the awards at the tournament, winning the Most Valuable Player Award, Man of the Match award in the final and highest goalscorer of the tournament as well. India steadily improved throughout the tournament and will be looking to continue on that upward trajectory.

CREDITS- AIFF MEDIA

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However, the U23 boys will stay back in the Garden City as the U23 squad flies to Dubai for the AFC U-23 Qualifiers on October 20.

There was a rousing reception at the team hotel late yesterday (October 16) night – all the Indian employees braving the rain, and having gathered at the jetty to welcome their heroes. Most of them had been regulars to cheer at the ground except the final. In fact, the rain and the strong wind prevented them from going to the ground to cheer – the turbulence in the sea, not allowing them to take the regular small boat which the authorities felt was ‘dangerous.’

The two babies in the team – Lalengmawia and Suresh Singh, the darling of their seniors, just haven’t been able to stop smiling overnight. “This is my first trophy win at the senior level. It’s a different feeling,” Lalengmawia maintained.

Meanwhile, Suresh Singh’s strike has still been the talking point, as much as Abdul Sahal’s strike. “I am proud of my son,” Gurpreet-‘paaji’ has been declaring every alternate minute. Gurpreet and Suresh share an excellent bonding among themselves, with the former referring to the talented midfielder as his ‘son.’

There’s also someone who hasn’t stopped smiling – Abdul Sahal. He immediately blushes when one reminds him of going on and on with the ball, and cutting in and in inside the box.

“Nothing much in it,” he tries in vain to dismiss it, even as Liston Colaco stands next, “That was indeed special.”

“Unbelievable,” Sahal commented. “I think it’s a miracle,” he smiled again. “I don’t know what happened inside the box. I came in for the last 4-5 minutes. My teammates have been working hard – it all goes to them. But I just don’t remember what happened inside the box. I got it and went in. This is an amazing feeling,” Sahal expressed.

“We were doubted by all. We were written off by all after the first two games in which we drew. The character on display, the attitude, the determination of this talented side is amazing,” he quipped, as Liston hugged him from behind.

At almost every step, the Blue Tigers dedicated it to their two injured teammates – Farukh Choudhary, and Brandon Fernandes, who weren’t able to travel to the ground. Even as Mandar Rao Dessai and Glan Martins carried Brandon’s jersey with them, Rahul Bheke preferred to wear Farukh’s jersey even at the victory podium.

“Farukh and Brandon are very much here, and a part of this triumph. Their contribution in this Championship will never go unnoticed. I wore Farukh’s jersey as I wanted him to be with us during the trophy celebrations,” Bheke had to almost shout to make himself audible owing to the high decibel levels from the stands.

Most of them also demonstrated to the duo over a video call the celebratory mode of the team.

You turn to the Head Coach. He smiled. “The boys have done it,” is all he uttered. Stimac has been tireless all throughout the Championship, looking at every minute detail, fine tuning and adjusting the technicalities during the training sessions, thus prompting the performance graph to go higher, and higher.

Pritam Kotal, Subhasish Bose, Anirudh Thapa, Manvir Singh and all the rest were posing and clicking all throughout. “This is my second SAFF triumph,” Pritam declared. “Hopefully, more are to come. This will stay for long for us bouncing back after being dismissed by most after the first two matches.”

“We made it special as we were not so good in the first two games. It was tough from there to come up and play the way we did,” captain Sunil Chhetri averred. For the record, this is Sunil’s third triumph in the SAFF Championship as a player.

“Look at the youngsters – it feels good for all of them. It’s all due to their hard work – we were here for 20 days till the final, staying on an island, riding the waves every day for practice sessions, and matches,” Sunil went on. “Boss was here today,” he pointed to Assistant Coach Shanmugam Venkatesh. “He won it as a player, and now as a coach.”

Venkatesh, a former India captain, just smiled. “Stimac has been a huge guiding force. The manner the staff and players stuck together just shows the team spirit. Football is a team game, and we proved it,” Venkatesh opined.

“Congratulations,” quipped a young Dutch couple who are here on a honeymoon. “We watched it on television, and enjoyed it. The Cup is at our hotel – wow. But where is the trophy? You should have brought it to the breakfast table,” he said. “Good going, keep it up.”

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The sentiment stays the same among the tourists from other countries – from Portugal, Russia, The Netherlands, the UK, USA, and others. “The Cup needs to come back to our hotel. We will be cheering for you guys.”

The Blue Tigers, however, understand the job is not yet done – there’s still a match left to be conquered – the SAFF Championship final against Nepal.

“We are not allowing complacency to step in. We are aware of what we need to do. There is a very tiny line between being confident and overconfident and I am keeping a close eye that we don’t cross that line,” Head Coach Igor Stimac stated.

“We are rising as a group, as a team and as a big family playing better football with every given day. We have to be patient, keep working hard and be confident. Nepal are a known opponent to us, as much we are to them. We take confidence in having won the last two matches. But I reiterate, we are not overconfident,” Stimac added.

The Blue Tigers had their practice session earlier today (October 15, 2021), and the to and fro travel was extremely turbulent – the Indian Ocean being extremely rough which led to some of the boys experiencing nausea.

The team news stays that three players have already been ruled out of the final – besides, Farukh Choudhury (ACL injury), Brandon Fernandes (quadriceps injury), and Subhashish Bose (suspended owing to a red card) are not available for selection.

Assistant Coach Shanmugam Venkatesh maintained that the boys need to “enjoy the final.”

“Nepal are an extremely competitive team, and the motivation of playing for both teams in a final is quite normal. We respect Nepal as a team. We have told our boys to enjoy the final,” Venkatesh, who won two SAFF Championships as a player, uttered.

“It gives us the satisfaction that there are some boys from the U-17 World Cup batch who are settling in fast into the Senior Team. The players realise the importance of the final and the character on display after the first two games have been exemplary. Youngsters like Lalengmawia, Suresh, Yasir have played a huge role on and off the pitch, while the seniors have gelled well with Sunil, Gurpreet, Kotal, Subhashish, and Bheke leading from the front to keep the flag flying high,” he expressed.

“We are ready to give our best in the final. We understand that it won’t be an easy match. We are a young team, and the coach wants to build up a team for the future. I am eager to play my part as much as the others,” Lalengmawia maintained.

“The medical staff needs to be lauded. Playing 5 matches in 13 days is tough on the players, and there is no way it would have been possible had not the medical staff worked incredibly hard to keep them fit,” Venkatesh explained.

Stimac informed that though Subhashish will be missed, he is working on an able replacement. “Subhashish will be missed for sure because he is a left-footed player. He was our sole option as a left central defender at this stage, but we are working to replace him,” the Head Coach informed.

The team captain indicated that the boys are working on the recovery process. “We didn’t start the manner we were expected to. To win a game that was a must-win for us amidst hostile conditions was really satisfying.

But we know the work is not done yet. So we are working on the recovery process, trying to eat, sleep and rest well and step on the pitch and win a trophy.” The kick-off against Nepal on Saturday (October 16, 2021) is at IST 8.30 pm and the match will be telecast live on Eurosport.

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“Bangladesh are a known opponent, but we respect them immensely. In fact, we respect each and every team playing out here, and they have an equal chance to win the tournament,” the coach said.

Team captain Sunil Chhetri stressed that the “message from our coaching staff and Head Coach is very clear.”

“It is more and much more about how we play. We got to make sure that we minimise our mistakes, and we have to make sure that in every game no matter what, we give 100 percent. We cannot be complacent,” Sunil warned.

It’s been raining in patches, and the locals inform us that in October in Maldives, the rain won’t persist for an entire day unlike the monsoon. “We never take rain seriously this time of the year, unless there’s a threat of depression in the ocean. If it rains just take shelter, check your mobile for 10 minutes. By that time the rain will subside,” laughs the team coordinator Ibrahim, a former footballer. “Of course, you can also walk in the rain.”

Stimac made no secret that he will be making the most of ATK Mohun Bagan and Bengaluru FC players having played in Maldives earlier in the AFC Cup. “We rely on Bengaluru FC and ATKMB players because not only they played here a few weeks back, but they started work with their respective clubs. And they had enough training sessions, and games in their legs. So their engines are good for such a tournament,” he expressed.

“We need to be careful as to how many minutes we give to each player corresponding to what they can do at the moment with regards to endurance capacities.”

Goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, who was part of the triumphant squad in 2015 added: “Teams have vastly improved from the last time we played them. Teams have become more organised, and they know how to play according to the other team’s weaknesses. You cannot take any team lightly anymore.”

Sunil, a veteran of 16 years in International football, stressed that he doesn’t want to lose any game for the country. “When you are young you play for a lot of things. As you get older, a lot of them diminishes. I’ve played over 100 games for India, I don’t have another 100 and I want to make the most of all the games I have left. I want to win a game if I am playing for my country. Both the games against Bangladesh have been extremely difficult ones. I don’t want to lose any game for my country,” he opined.

Stimac also made a mention of Udanta Singh, who got a “deserving call-up” to the National squad. “Udanta is one of 23 players we have here. He deserved that call with his last game playing for Bengaluru in the AFC Cup. Udanta wasn’t playing in his natural position in the past two years,” Stimac explained. “We need him to be back to his best – direct striking forward with his speed, executing and preparing the chances.”

Other than Sunil and Gupreet, Pritam Kotal was also a part of the triumphant squad in 2015. “It seems like yesterday that we won the SAFF Championship in Thiruvananthapuram in January 2016. I still remember the wild celebrations which we had in the dressing room after the triumph against Afghanistan in the final where everybody had danced. The support in the final was kind of exceptional. After all, the passion for football in Kerala is unparalleled,” he smiled. “The team spirit was exceptional, and everyone backed each other up. We had our recovery and volleyball sessions at the Kovalam beach, even on New Year’s Day.”

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, sitting next, quipped: “The edition of 2015-16 will stay with me forever. It was a wonderful tournament and a majestic final against a supremely well-knit Afghanistan side who were on the rampage. We deserved to be in the final and it was lovely to win it in front of the home crowd – win it for the people of our country, and for the fans who filled the stadium in numbers.” The kick-off tomorrow (Monday, October 4) is at IST 4.30 pm.

CREDITS – AIFF MEDIA

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