The India Under-14 boys will travel to Iran later this month to participate in the 2014 AFC Under-14 Championship qualifiers to face the hosts Iran, Pakistan, Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan with Sri Lanka opting out.
In their Group D opener India face the hosts Iran (April 23), then Kyrgyzstan (April 24), Pakistan (April 28) and finally Turkmenistan (April 29) at the Samen Al Aemeh Stadium in Mashhad.
The Asian Football Confederation have restructured the AFC Under-14 Championship into a proper tournament instead of just being a Football Festival. The 46 teams were divided into four zones (West, Central and South, ASEAN and East) with 12 of the teams coming from West Asia, 13 from Central and South, 11 teams from ASEAN and 10 teams from the East, but some nations have pulled out of the competition,.
The top two teams from each zone, totalling eight teams, will qualify to the AFC U-14 Championship 2014 Finals.
The second edition of the SAFF Women's Championship was organised by the South Asian Football Federation and the tournament was held from September 7 to 16 at the CR&FC Place ground in Colombo, Sri Lanka with India defending their crown.
The Indian Women went into the tournament as the defending champions having won the inaugural edition with a 1-0 final win against Nepal in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh in December 2010 and this time around they beat Nepal 3-1 in the final.
India were drawn in Group A along with Bangladesh, Bhutan and hosts Sri Lanka, while Group B contained Afghanistan, Maldives, Nepal and Pakistan.
RESULTS
Quarterfinal League
Group A Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Sri Lanka
07-Sep-2012: India 3-0 Bangladesh 07-Sep-2012: Sri Lanka 4-0 Bhutan 09-Sep-2012: Sri Lanka 0-5 India 09-Sep-2012: Bangladesh 1-0 Bhutan 11-Sep-2012: Sri Lanka 2-1 Bangladesh 11-Sep-2012: India 11-0 Bhutan
The All India Football Federation has named Bem Bem Devi as the captain of the Indian national women's team for the 2012 SAFF Women's Championship to be played from September 7 to 16 at the Longden Place ground in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The Indian Women go into the tournament as the defending champions having won the inaugural edition with a 1-0 final win against Nepal in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh in December 2010.
India have been drawn in Group A along with Bangladesh, Bhutan and hosts Sri Lanka. India face Bangladesh in their opener on September 7, then play the hosts Sri Lanka on September 9 and then face Bhutan on September 11. The other Group B contains Afghanistan, Maldives, Nepal and Pakistan.
INDIA Women's Probables
Goalkeepers Sita Sharma (Orissa), Aditi Chauhan (Delhi)
Defenders Ashem Romi Devi (Manipur), Loitongbam Ashalata Devi (Manipur), Kangujam Rebika Devi (Manipur), Alochana Senapati (Orissa), Suprava Samal (Bihar), Tuli Goon (West Bengal)
The second SAFF Women's Championship will once again be organised by the South Asian Football Federation and the tournament will be held from September 7 to 16 at the Longden Place ground in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The Indian Women go into the tournament as the defending champions having won the inaugural edition with a 1-0 final win against Nepal in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh in December 2010.
India have been drawn in Group A along with Bangladesh, Bhutan and hosts Sri Lanka. India face Bangladesh in their opener on September 7, then play the hosts Sri Lanka on September 9 and then face Bhutan on September 11. The other Group B contains Afghanistan, Maldives, Nepal and Pakistan.
Interestingly both these groups had been drawn with the same set of four teams as two years ago at the 1st SAFF Women's Championship.
30 Indian Women probables are currently sweating it out at the SAI Eastern Centre to make the final 20 players squad which will fly across to Sri Lanka. India go into the tournament as the big title favourites, especially after having scored 41 goals and conceded only one in their title triumph in 2010.
FIXTURES
Quarterfinal League
Group A Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Sri Lanka
07-Sep-2012: India - Bangladesh 07-Sep-2012: Sri Lanka - Bhutan 09-Sep-2012: Sri Lanka - India 09-Sep-2012: Bangladesh - Bhutan 11-Sep-2012: Sri Lanka - Bangladesh 11-Sep-2012: India - Bhutan
The SAFF Cup (South Asian Football Federation Championships) is being played from December 2 to 11, 2011 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi. The group stage ended yesterday with the semifinals to be played tomorrow.
The tournament has had its surprises with Afghanistan topping Group A ahead of India being the biggest one so far with Bhutan a major disappointment again as they conceded 16 goals in three matches.
Group B was much more even with the Maldives topping the group ahead of Nepal, both on five points with Pakistan drawing all their matches while last hosts Bangladesh finishing a disappointing last.
2011 SAFF CUP - New Delhi
Group A: India, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Afghanistan
03-Dec-2011: India 1-1 Afghanistan 03-Dec-2011: Sri Lanka 3-1 Bhutan 05-Dec-2011: Sri Lanka 1-3 Afghanistan 05-Dec-2011: Bhutan 0-5 India 07-Dec-2011: Bhutan 1-8 Afghanistan 07-Dec-2011: India 3-0 Sri Lanka
The 2011 SAFF Cup will be shown by TenAction+ after the World Sports Group appointed Ten Sports as the tournaments official broadcaster. The 15 matches of the SAFF Cup (South Asian Football Federation Championships) will be played from December 2 to 11, 2011 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi.
TenAction+ will be broadcasting the tournament across the eight participating nations - Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Atul Pande, CEO-Ten Sports said, " We are delighted to broadcast the 2011 SAFF Championship. The championship will not only help in the development of football in the region but also in fostering goodwill among neighbouring nations. The telecast of this prestigious tournament reaffirms our commitment to grow our football and sports broadcasting business, and consolidate our position as the leading sports broadcaster."
Harish Krishnamachar, Senior vice-President & Country Head, India, World Sport Group said, "World Sport Group has worked on seven editions of the SAFF Championship and we are happy to be producing this event in India. Together, our capability and the football pedigree of Ten Sports will help us deliver a world class event."
2011 SAFF CUP - New Delhi
Group A: India, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Afghanistan
03-Dec-2011: India - Afghanistan (15.00 IST) 03-Dec-2011: Sri Lanka - Bhutan (18.00 IST) 05-Dec-2011: Afghanistan - Sri Lanka (15.00 IST) 05-Dec-2011: India - Bhutan (18.00 IST) 07-Dec-2011: Bhutan - Afghanistan (15.00 IST) 07-Dec-2011: India - Sri Lanka (18.00 IST)
The 2011 SAFF Cup (South Asian Football Federation Championships) will be played from December 2 to 11, 2011 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi. The tournament organisers World Sports Group have now released a promotional video for the tournament.
The SAFF Cup (South Asian Football Federation Championships) will be played from December 2 to 11, 2011 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi. The tournaments match schedule and kick-off timings have been finalised.
There is a slight change to earlier mentioned kick-off timings. Instead of 15.30 and 18.30 IST kick-offs, the matches will now start at 15.00 and 18.00 IST.
Meanwhile, the SAFF Championship Tournament Organisers have appointed Kyazoonga as official ticketing partner. Tickets will be available from today onwards on www.kyazoonga.com . The ticket counters at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium will be opened starting November 30. Daily tickets have been priced at Rs 150 and Rs 75 respectively.
2011 SAFF CUP - New Delhi
Group A: India, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Afghanistan
03-Dec-2011: India - Afghanistan (15.00 IST) 03-Dec-2011: Sri Lanka - Bhutan (18.00 IST) 05-Dec-2011: Sri Lanka - Afghanistan (15.00 IST) 05-Dec-2011: Bhutan - India (18.00 IST) 07-Dec-2011: Bhutan - Afghanistan (15.00 IST) 07-Dec-2011: India - Sri Lanka (18.00 IST)
The India Under-19 boys suffered an unnecessary 1-2 defeat at the hands of neighbours Pakistan in their final AFC Under-19 Championship qualifiers in Group C at the Takhti Stadium in Tehran. The cold wintery weather did hamper the Indians boys, but once more finishing was the problem as otherwise they should have won the match.
The same old story of the Uzbekistan match was repeated four days later on Tuesday - the failure of putting it into the net from positions where one slotting home should have become a habit by now.
In the first half, the boys found hard to adjust to the slushy ground conditions. Pakistan adjusted better and rode on a brace from Billwal-ur-Rehman to beat India 2-1. Bilawal scored his first when he headed it home in the 32nd minute, and then in the 43rd minute, he scored off a direct free-kick from outside the box. Overall, the discipline in defence and midfield which had made India stand out among all teams stayed missing in the first half and Pakistan were fast to capitalise on that. Changing over, India pulled one back in the 55th minute when Johnnychand Singh blasted home an Anto Xavier cross from the left.
The Indians pressed hard thereafter but stayed guilty of missing changes from close on three occasions – Pronoy Halder, Holicharan Narzary and Johnnychand failing to place it in with the rival goalkeeper Saqib Hanif at their mercy. India finished their campaign in third place with three points from four matches and the stats sadly don't tell the true story of this talented bunch of players.
The SAFF Cup (South Asian Football Federation Championships) will be played from December 2 to 11, 2011 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi. The draw for the tournament was carried out at the Le Meridien hotel in New Delhi earlier today.
Defending champions India, who won the 2009 edition with an Under-23 team in Dhaka, Bangladesh, have been drawn in an easier Group A along with Sri Lanka, Bhutan and Afghanistan. Meanwhile Group B looks stronger in which Maldives, Bangladesh, Nepal and Pakistan would face each other.
The top two teams from each group would qualify for the semifinals, which will be played on December 9 while the final is slated for December 11. All matches are set to be played at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
It will be the ninth edition of the SAFF Cup, early on called SAARC Gold Cup, with India hosting the tournament for the second time after 1999 when it was held in Margao, Goa and India had won the title then with a 2-0 victory against Bangladesh.
2011 SAFF CUP - New Delhi
Group A: India, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Afghanistan
03-Dec-2011: India - Afghanistan 03-Dec-2011: Sri Lanka - Bhutan 05-Dec-2011: India - Bhutan 05-Dec-2011: Sri Lanka - Afghanistan 07-Dec-2011: India - Sri Lanka 07-Dec-2011: Afghanistan - Bhutan
The India Under-19 squad landed in the Iranian capital Tehran at 4.30am on early today for the AFC Under-19 Championship qualifiers which kick-off on Monday, October 31. The squad arrived from Doha, Qatar where they were based for the last 12 days.
Chief Coach Colm Toal said he was 'happy' to have arrived in Tehran. "It always helps when you come in early. Arriving early has its own advantages," Colm maintained.
The boys were greeted by rain and temperatures as low as seven degrees which came in sharp contrast to the hot desert climate in Doha.
"The Camp in Doha was pretty useful. We got to practice on excellent grounds which is very much essential prior to such an important Championship. The boys made full use of the facilities," Coal added. "We need to make use of the time in Tehran and focus on our first match," Toal quipped.
The India U-19 team even played a practice match in Doha where they beat Al Rayyan U-19 team 4-1. Brandon Fernandes scored a hattrick while Johnny Chand Singh scored the other goal.
India who have been clubbed in Group C along with hosts Iran, strong contenders Uzbekistan, dark horses Turkmenistan and archrivals Pakistan. India U-19 play their first match against Turkmenistan on October 31 and they will hope to qualify for the final round like the Under-16 boys. The boys were given a day's rest to overcome from the jet lag and will resume their practice session from Saturday.
INDIA U-19
Goalkeepers Ravi Kumar, Albino Gomes, Mohammed Moniruzzaman Ansari
Officials Colm Joseph Toal (Head Coach), Francisco Bruto Da Costa (Assistant Coach), Syed Shabbir Pasha (Assistant Coach), Feroze Sheriff (Goalkeeping Coach), Vijayan Inian Lenin (Physio), C.M. Ranjith (Manager)
INDIA U-19 Fixtures
October 31: India U-19 vs Turkmenistan U-19 November 2: Iran U-19 vs India U-19 November 4: India U-19 vs Uzbekistan U-19 November 8: Pakistan U-19 vs India U-19
The Clash of the Titans series between India and Pakistan has been postponed by the London-based organisers TouchSky Sports. Officially the match on September 3 in Derby to mark the death of Haroon Jahan, Shazad Ali and Abdul Musavir, killed in the UK riots in Birmingham was postponed and with it the whole tour less then 48 hours before the teams were set to leave south Asia for the United Kingdom.
This is what TouchSky Sports said in a press release
For the past nine months TouchSky Sports have been planning this historical FIFA fixture, India vs. Pakistan, two nations better known for their cricket than their football, and this will be the first time that these two nations have met on English soil, a fixture that will bring these two communities together.
As a company TouchSky Sports aims to stimulate and provide exposure for this growing football region and provide their UK based fans and respective communities with access to their national team.
As a company we were struck by how the nation has rallied behind the families and the community that have endured this sad loss, and as such we have dedicated this match to their memory, pledging all profits from the match to a foundation, if one is set-up in the future and administered by the families or a charity of their choice. And at this point we would like to STRESS that this is NOT a fundraising event.
When we met with Tariq Jahaan and Qoodas last Sunday, we were overwhelmed by the love, affection and support they showed for our event despite having endured such a tragic loss.
After getting to know the families over the course of the week, as well as understanding the families personal situations and the Islamic faith, we as a company feel we have a social and moral responsibility to postpone the match and allow the families the time and space to grieve. The Islamic faith calls for a 40 day mourning period, which we whole heartedly respect.
Our stakeholders and shareholders are sympathetic to our position and we have commenced the process of rescheduling in accordance with the FIFA calendar, with a new date to be announced in due course.
TouchSky Sports at the Portland Hotel Birmingham on Thursday, August 25 will officially announce its contribution to the new charitable foundation being set up in the name of the three men - Harroon Jahan, Abdul Mussavir, Shahzad Ali - tragically killed during the recent Birmingham riots.
Proceeds for the foundation will come from the first ever UK football match between the two nations better known for their cricketing prowess, India and Pakistan. The 'Clash of the Titans' match will see the teams go head to head at Derby County's Pride Park on Saturday, September 3 in a game that will promote closer cohesion between diverse communities.
Speaking about the forthcoming fixture, TouchSky Director Peter Virdee said, "The football match has the potential to provide a very public show of support from the whole community which stood together during the riots and the subsequent sad loss of these three lives. The lives of these three young men can never be replaced however measures need to be put in place for the prevention of future incidents and to bridge the divide within the community."
Representatives from the affected families and the Football Association will join the TouchSky directors in Birmingham to make the announcement. They will also attend the football match where a minute's silence in memory of their loved ones will be observed. In support of the cause both teams will also don black arm bands for the duration of the game.
TouchSky Sports hopes that this historical match will provide a vital catalyst for communities, authorities and the football community at large to begin to address the issues that have been raised through the senseless loss of these three lives.
TouchSky Sports wants to ensure that these lives were not lost in vein and that the concerns and wishes of the family remain integral to the program.
Pakistani origin world boxing champion Amir Khan and Indian origin award winning artist Jaz Dhami joined forces to show their support of the hugely anticipated India versus Pakistan football friendly fixture at the boxer's home turf in Bolton at Reebok Stadium.
The match has gotten the support from FIFA and the English FA alongside Kick It Out, the friendly football fixtures will take place on the 3rd September at Derby County as well as on the 9th September in Glasgow.
The 'Clash of the Titans' tour will set centre stage for these two heavyweights to lock heads in a series of games up and down the UK and also give precedence to help bring communities together in a wider social message via the power of football.
Amir said, "I will be attending the Derby County fixture, and I will be honoured with the task of bringing on the Pakistani team to show my support to this great footballing fixture, however I wish both teams the beat of luck."
Meanwhile Jaz Dhami said "I am excited to get involved and support the Clash of the Titans tour. India and Pakistan are primarily noted for their cricketing abilities and this tour will give the UK sports enthusiasts the opportunity to see these two big nations don their football boots and show what they have on the pitch."
The FA's Ambassador Brendon Batson also expressed his support of the 'Clash of the Titans' tour. Brendon said, "I have worked closely with the Asian community for several years at the FA, helping to build bridges and lending support so that the Asian community may become more involved in the beautiful game. This fixture will hopefully offer further encouragement for Asian kids across the UK to put on their boots and prove that football is a universal and inclusive sport. There are many opportunities for Asian kids to play at the highest level possible which this fixture clearly demonstrates.
Ahmer Kunwar, Director of TouchSky Sports added, "this fixture presents a great opportunity for Indian and Pakistani football fans and families to come out and support their native teams and enjoy the carnival atmosphere. The match has received overwhelming support with excellent take up on ticket sales and the tour website inundated with several thousand hits per day. We look forward to putting on a great show with football, music and half time football activities with children on the pitch with stars."
Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by logging onto www.clashofthetitansuk.com
The All India Football Federation has finally confirmed that the India Under-23s will be travelling to the United Kingdom to face Pakistan in a two match series titled 'Clash of the Titans' besides taking on an England C side.
India's first match would be on September 3 at Derby County FC's Pride Park ground, followed by a match against an England C side (a team made-up of non-league players, semi-professional players) at Victoria Road, Dagenham in East London and the tour would end with another encounter against Pakistan on September 9 in Glasgow.
The AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das expressed his happiness in the Under-23 team getting the much-needed exposure in England. "The All India Football Federation is happy the boys are getting the right kind of exposure. Clash of the Titans India Pakistan UK Tour has generated huge interest among the fans in India and we are eagerly looking forward to the Tour," he said.
India have started their practice in Gurgaon with Sukhvinder Singh the coach of the squad, while Tanumoy Bose as the assistant-cum-goalkeeping coach with seasoned Renedy Singh set to lead the young squad with Baichung Bhutia unlikely to make a return. The Team will leave for England on August 27.
A lot had been speculated, but now it looks the India vs Pakistan series titled as 'Clash of the Titans' will go ahead in the United Kingdom with two matches to be played between the two sides, while India play another match against an England C side.
Here the press release from the organisers TouchSky Sports
Football gets spiced up this summer
IT’S a long-standing rivalry, India and Pakistan will this summer lock horns on the football pitch for the first time in England and Scotland.
Billed as the 'Clash of the Titans', the Asian sub-continent’s most powerful sides will meet on September 3 at Pride Park Stadium, Derby and on September 9 in Glasgow, Scotland.
And a touch of musical dance entertainment will provide the backdrop to the friendly, which aims to lift the profile of football in the respective nations.
FIFA Match Agents TouchSky Sports will combine the match with live musical entertainment headlined by Jazzy B, Dr. Zeus, Aman Hayer, Jaz Dhami, ADH, Gabru Punjab De Folk Bhangra Dancers and many more. Sonia Deol from BBC Asian Network will energise fans as the host of the match.
The match has received backing from high profile members from the sports and entertainment world, including England and Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand.
"I am welcoming the India and Pakistan teams to the home of football," said Ferdinand.
"This is a major breakthrough for both nations and I hope to see myself in India and Pakistan soon."
WBA and IBF light-welterweight world champion Amir Khan said the match took on great significance.
"Football is one of the most popular sports amongst the Asian community in Britain and this match will prove to be very successful because of that," said Khan.
"I'm sure these matches will also be very beneficial for relations between the two countries because sport plays an important role in helping to unify people. I'm very excited about these games because it's always thrilling to see two rivals go up against one another."
'Bend it Like Beckham' producer and director Gurinder Chadha was excited about the clash.
"I will be shouting Bend it like my Bhaiya's, Bhaijans and Bros," said Chadha, while A1 Grand Prix champion Adam Khan, who is of Pakistani descent added, "It's great to see these two nations playing head to head on an international platform – I can't wait."
The respective association presidents have both hailed the match as a crucial step in their respective development.
"Playing Pakistan is always special. I'm sure all sporting fans are eagerly looking forward to it," said AIFF president Praful Patel.
Makhdoom Faisal Saleh Hayat, president of Pakistan Football Federation added, "This match will definitely go a long way in promoting bilateral relations between the two countries. I wish everyone best of luck."
The English FA has also backed this match to increase participation from the Asian community.
"I am really pleased to support this match which opens doors for aspiring Asian footballers in England giving them sense of national pride," said FA spokesperson Jonathan Mills.
The match represents the continued commitment by TouchSky Sports to focus on emerging footballing nations and assisting the development and growth in regions where football is in its infancy but gathering huge momentum.
"By touring in England, the home of football, these two nations not recognized for their football prowess will play on one of the worlds largest football stages and many up and coming young players will fulfill their lifelong dream of playing in England," said TouchSky Sports FIFA Match agent Clem Leech.
TouchSky Sports' vision is long term, strategic and its values are clear within - "this is history in its making" said TouchSky Sports Director Peter Virdee. This clash officially puts IndoPaK football on the map in England added TouchSky Sports Director Ahmer Kunwar.
Clash of the Titans 2011 takes center stage in UK this summer so come and become part of history!
A selection of charities will benefit from the event thanks to funding from The Virdee Foundation. ( www.petervirdee.com ).
History unfolds - schedule and details
August 30 | Press Conference at Leicester Marriott Hotel at 1 pm
September 1 | Pakistan Exhibition Match organised by Birmingham FA at 3 pm
September 3 | India vs. Pakistan - Pride Park Stadium, Derby, KO: 4pm (Gates at 2pm)
September 6 | India vs. England C - Venue TBC
September 9 | India vs. Pakistan - Glasgow, Scotland KO: TBC
To book tickets call Clash of the Titans Hotline 0844 248 5066
TICKETS FOR THIS HIGHLY ANTICIPATED MATCH AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE NOW
Ticket Prices
General Admission starts from £20.00
Concessions £15.00
Kids U9 go FREE accompanied by ONE adult (limited number of tickets)
VIP/Hospitality tickets & Executive Boxes (POA)
Here the official video trailer for the match on September 3 in Derby
Pakistan are the first-ever champions of the Under-16 SAFF Cup beating neighbours India 2-1 in the final played at Kathmandu's Dasrath Stadium. The inaugural edition of the Under-16 boys South Asian Football Federation Championships (SAFF Cup) was held from August 1 to 10 in Kathmandu, Nepal. Mohammed Zaseen and Mohammed Mansoor scored for Pakistan, while Daniel Lalhlimpuia had scored the equaliser in-between.
It was an interesting final with both teams trying initially to take an early lead. It was Pakistan who took the lead in the 25th minute when a Mohammed Zaseen cross dipped over Indian custodian Supratim Bhattacharya into the far post. Thereafter it was often one-way traffic as India put a lot of pressure on their opponents and it was Daniel Lalhlimpuia in the first half injury time to equalise for our juniors following a goal-mouth melee.
Only five minutes into the second half India were again behind when Mohammed Mansoor scored the lead and the eventual winner for the Pakistanis. Once more it was mainly one-way traffic thereafter as India put Pakistan under a lot of pressure, but besides missing chances the Pakistan defence held their ground.
India Under-16 coach Thomas Joseph said that there are lots of positive to take back home as some of the boys were playing their first International tournament.
"We could have done much better. Pakistan on the other hand played well and stuck to their task. We are certainly going home with lots of positives and these guys have played extremely well throughout the tournament," Thomas Joseph said.
Overall a good tournament for the India Under-16 boys, but once more has been often the problem with our teams the finishing was lacking then otherwise these boys surely could have won the title.
The India Under-16 boys play neighbours Pakistan in the final of the inaugural Under-16 SAFF Cup tomorrow at the Dasrath Stadium in Kathmandu. It will be a rematch of the opening game of the tournament and India will look to avenge their 0-1 opening day loss.
India needed penalties to beat hosts Nepal 4-2 after the match had ended one-all. Earlier they had qualified for the semifinals with a 5-0 trashing of Maldives after the opening day shock against Pakistan. The Pakistani boys meanwhile have had a great tournament so far. The have won all their three matches and are still to concede a goal.
But India Under-16 coach Thomas Joseph remains optimistic about his side chances of winning the title and said, "These guys have done a wonderful job till date. We have grown from strength to strength and are all set put our best foot forward in the finals."
India will have talented midfielder Lalramzuava back in the side after serving a one match suspension and Thomas Joseph added, "He is one of our key players. He provides stability in the midfield. It's good to have full strength for such an important match."
The Indian defence played with lots of composure in the last match and will look to repeat the same and especially with a solid keeper in Supratim Bhattacharya in goal.
"He (Supratim) is a very talented goalkeeper and a good future prospect. I would rather say, this lot is very special and everyone is extremely talented," Thomas further added.
Taking a call on the opponent, the India U-16 coach said, "They are a very good team and plays with lot of strength. But, we have already played against them in the group stage and have our plans ready to tackle them. The Boys are also aware of their duties and are all set to give their best shot in the finals."
Indian skipper, Mohammed Sajid Dhot believes that it's just a matter of getting the act right to get the desired result. "Everyone is eagerly waiting for this match. We will need to play good as a team like we have done throughout the tournament."
Vanlalduatsanga has been a revelation upfront and the Mizo lad is looking forward to the match, "It's always good to contribute in success of the team. I am looking forward to it and hope to do well once again."
The match will kick-off in Kathmandu at 15:15 IST.
The India Under-16 boys beat hosts Nepal 4-2 on penalties after the match had ended one-all in regulation time to reach the finals of the inaugural Under-16 SAFF Cup being played at the Dasrath Stadium in Kathmandu. In the finals India are set to face Pakistan, who beat Bangladesh 2-0 in the other semifinal.
The final on Wednesday, August 10 will be a rematch of the opening game which India had lost 0-1 against Pakistan, while Nepal will face Bangladesh in the third place playoff.
It was the home side who drew first blood of the match in the 20th minute with Rishi Thapa scoring off a goalmouth melee, while Indian substitute Nitin Jyal restored parity at the fag end of the match with seconds remaining.
Both the teams started the match on the aggressive note knowing that a place in the final was at stake. India had more of the initial exchanges with striker Vanlalduatsanga's first shot saved off the line by the rival goalkeeper while a few minutes later his shot from inside the box could only find the Nepali custodian. Against run of play, Nepal took the lead in the 20th minute through Rishi Thapa. The Indians didn't crumble under pressure and kept on creating chances. Daniel could have scored the equaliser in the 22nd minute, but his right footer was just wide of the woodwork.
Nepal went for the breather with a 1-0 precarious lead and had chances to increase their lead in the second half. Nepal captain Heman Gurung's free-kick from outside the box hit the woodwork, while on the other side Vanlalduatsanga, Raja Rawat and Suman Saha missed sitters for India. As it looked that Nepal would win and move into the final it was substitute Nitin Jyal, who came in for Germanpreet, who scored the equaliser in the dying minutes of the match.
In the penalty shootout the Indian boys kept their cool. Vanlalduatsanga, Suman Saha, Myron Mendes and Harmanjot Singh scored for India with Lalrammuana hitting the crossbar. The penalty shootout hero was goalkeeper Supratim Bhattacharya who saved two penalties, but he also had kept India in the match with some great saves.
A satisfied India Under-16 coach Thomas Joseph was once again all praise for his boys and said, "I am extremely happy with their performance. They played their heart out and showed character. Also we missed so many chances, but nevertheless it is part and parcel of the game and we hope to continue with the same momentum against Pakistan in the finals."
The first-ever edition of the Under-16 boys South Asian Football Federation Championships (SAFF Cup) is currently being held from August 1 to 10 in Kathmandu, Nepal. The matches are being played at Kathmandu's Dasrath Stadium and the group stages finished today.
India now take on hosts Nepal, while Pakistan play Bangladesh in the semifinals on August 8 for a place in the finals to be played on August 10.
India only finished second in their Group A after a 0-1 upset against Pakistan, while returning to winning ways with a 5-0 win against the Maldives yesterday. In Group B Nepal and Bangladesh both finished on four points as they both beat Sri Lanka, but drew goalless against each other. Nepal won the group by having the better goal difference against Sri Lanka as both sides scored six goals, but Bangladesh conceded two late goals.
India U-16 coach Thomas Joseph said, "They (Nepal) are a very good side and the results speaks for them. However, our boys are up for the task. We take one match at a time and our sole aim now is to win the semifinal."
Thomas Joseph further added, "It's equally important for everyone to understand their role as so far they have done a great job. We find difficulty in picking up the starting XI as almost all of them are equally talented."
FIXTURES & RESULTS
GROUP A August 1: INDIA U16 0-1 Pakistan U16 August 3: Maldives U16 0-6 Pakistan U16 August 5: INDIA U16 5-0 Maldives U16
GROUP B August 2: Sri Lanka U16 2-6 Bangladesh U16 August 4: Nepal U16 0-0 Bangladesh U16 August 6: Sri Lanka U16 0-6 Nepal U16
SEMIFINALS August 8: Pakistan U16 - Bangladesh U16 August 8: Nepal U16 - India U16
FINAL PLACEMENT MATCHES August 9: Maldives U16 - Sri Lanka U16 August 10: Loser of Semifinal 1 vs Loser of Semifinal 2 August 10: Winner of Semifinal 1 vs Winner of Semifinal 2
The India Under-14 boys will travel to Iran later this month to participate in the 2014 AFC Under-14 Championship qualifiers to face the hosts Iran, Pakistan, Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan with Sri Lanka opting out.
