The Afghanistan-Maldives match could be a repeat the last tournament i.e. both teams already assured of semi-final spots and playing their reserves. Personally I wouldn't mind that, as I don't trust Maldives to play against Afghanistan and win...yet.
India completely dominated Srilanka despite the team being able to assemble only 2 days prior to the game.. Also 5-6 good players missing out due to injuries or not allowed by their clubs.. Coach has to hand out debut to an 18 year old
India did play against a young Sri Lankan team who are building for the future given no competitive matches until 2022 qualifiers. India should easily win which they did!
India too are a completely young and inexperienced side with except Sunil, Subrata and Jeje, Arnab and Robin others have played less than 10 international matches. Constantine testing each and every prospect from Indian leagues to find a balanced 20 men squad who will be representing India for next few years.
Than I guess all teams are young and inexperienced Every team report in SAFF say the same thing.. Anyway. It's good that these times are getting out there and putting on a good show
Sri Lanka were completely toothless in attack in their two games, but have one step in the semis. They never looked like scoring against Nepal either until that defensive lapse in stoppage time, and relied heavily on goalkeeper Sujan Pereira, who plays his club football in Maldives. Now Nepal must beat India by at least two goals, which I don't see happening. I guess that gives an added incentive for teams in Group B to top their group.
Well done Sri Lanka. They've had a bad few years so good to see them make the next stage. I guess they might just want the Maldives. Try to reverse that 10:0 from 2013!
India again hands out a debut to a young CB.. Surprisingly he is picked from the local state league.. Has not even played the I league
Afghanistan v Maldives looks to be a interesting match with the winner set to play against Sri Lanka ( draw to Afghanistan will give them top spot too)
Bangladesh 3-0 Bhutan Afghanistan 4-1 Maldives . Semifinals on Dec 31 : Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka India vs Maldives
India v Afghanistan Final is my prediction. But the squad Constantine has chosen, I don't expect India to win their 7th title..
Afghanistan hands out debut to 19 yo omid hamayouni, and a 4th cap to 19 yo popalzay against Maldives. All saff teams are young and besides a couple of important players most have less than 10 caps... It's not just India would have come with a young squad
I think the 4-1 scoreline is not a true reflection of the whole game. I'm really encouraged by the performances of the younger players, but their finishing skills need a bit of polishing, which I'm sure would come in time with experience. What was more concerning was the way our most experienced member, goalkeeper Imran Mohamed kept flapping about yesterday. This tournament is his first competitive match action since rupturing his knee ligaments in July and I fear that it's a bit too soon for him. Anyway, looking forward to the match against India. I don't think their defense has been tested too much thus far by Sri Lanka and Nepal. Maldives is pretty lethal as an attacking force and I hope our players keep their defenders busy as I really cannot see us being solid at the back anytime soon.
Am quite surprised by the attitude of Afghan fans towards India.. Even the earlier prediction post of Nepal beating India 2-1 was way out of logic.. This may not be the best possible assembled Indian squad but atleast it has all home bred players
Or maybe Indians just overrate their national team and when it goes wrong either blames their manager or brings up the homebred players excuse.
I wouldn't necessarily say that, India are a good saff team however what I dislike is th fact that they feel they are better than what they really are. I always want them to get ahead as a representative of saff. I thought they would struggle as Nepal has revamped there squad and India are again in transition given they did quite poor in the qualifiers.... On the other hand Afghanistan have continuously said (AFF and current coach / previous coach) about grassroots and developing domestically... Afghanistan have also had a terrible WC qualification which the coaching personnel change. In terms of overseas players, all countries do that, the top countries ensure to select the best squad domestic and overseas, now if India aren't able to do dual passports that's not my problem.