U-16 SAFF Cup: Complete Fixtures out

The first-ever edition of the Under-16 boys South Asian Football Federation Championships (SAFF Cup) will be played from August 1 to 10, 2011 in Kathmandu Nepal. Earlier today the draw for the two groups of six teams each was carried out.

Our India Under-16 boys face Pakistan and the Maldives in Group A, while in Group B Sri Lanka take on hosts Nepal and Bangladesh. The matches will be played at Kathmandu's Dasrath Stadium for the next 10 days.

SAFF General Secretary Alberto Colaco is quite confident that this endeavour will mark a new beginning for SAFF in terms of conducting age group tournaments and said, "It's necessary to give a good exposure to the U-16 Boys before they participate in the AFC U-16 qualification."

"The condition in the SAFF regions are not ideal as compared to Europe. But, I know it's a good beginning and things will move ahead in right direction." Alberto added.

Meanwhile India Under-16 coach Thomas Joseph is quite confident of a good show from his boys and believes that his side will excel in the tournament.

"We have a balanced side and all the boys are good," Thomas said. "We have prepared very well for this tournament and will try to put our best forward right from the outset," Thomas further added.

Thomas also said, "The condition here are different but the boys are ready to deal with any situation." Some teams are a little weiry of the altitude which could be an issue for them.


FIXTURES

GROUP A
August 1: INDIA U16 - Pakistan U16
August 3: Maldives U16 - Pakistan U16
August 5: INDIA U16 - Maldives U16

GROUP B
August 2: Sri Lanka U16 - Bangladesh U16
August 4: Nepal U16 - Bangladesh U16
August 6: Sri Lanka U16 - Nepal U16

SEMIFINALS
August 8: Winner Group A - Runners-Up B
August 8: Winner Group B - Runners-Up A

FINAL PLACEMENT DAY
August 9: Third Placed Team Group A - Third Placed Team Group B
August 10: Loser of Semifinal 1 vs Loser of Semifinal 2
August 10: Winner of Semifinal 1 vs Winner of Semifinal 2