SAFF U-16: India colts gear up for Maldives challenge
August 4th, 2011 - 8:39 pm ICT by IANSKathmandu, Aug 4 (IANS) The India under-16 football team will take on Maldives in their final Group A match of SAFF U-16 Championship Friday at the Dashrath Stadium here in their bid to qualify for the semi-final.
Pakistan have already made their way into the knock-out stage after defeating both India and Maldives. Indians are desperate for a win but a draw will also be enough for the Indians to find their place in the last four.
Maldives were hammered 0-6 by Pakistan which gives an edge to the Indians as they went down to Pakistan by a solitary goal.
“It’s a new game and we need to start afresh. We have worked on our weakness and will put our best foot forward in the game,” said India coach Thomas Joseph.
Having missed numerous chances to score in the opening tie, the onus will be on the strikers to get an early goal.
“An early goal will set the tone up. The Boys are all aware of the ground condition and we are surely looking for a win,” Joseph said.
India captain Mohammed Sajid was stand-out performer in the last match and the talented defender feels that his side will give their best to get three points.
“Everyone in the team knows the importance of the match. We will need to play as a cohesive unit to get the desired result,” he said.
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Tags: best foot, coach thomas, cohesive unit, colts, final group, football team, India, indians, knock out, last match, maldives, mohammed, new game, onus, pakistan, saff, sajid, solitary goal, strikers, thomas joseph