Maldives are tricky opponents: Stephen Constantine

Any slip-up in today's semi-finals against Maldives could be a disaster for hosts India but head coach Stephen Constantine backed his players to come out triumphant in the potentially high-voltage clash in the South Asian Football Federation Cup here

Thiruvananthapuram: Any slip-up in today's semi-finals against Maldives could be a disaster for hosts India but head coach Stephen Constantine backed his players to come out triumphant in the potentially high-voltage clash in the South Asian Football Federation Cup here.


Stephen Constantine

Constantine's India went into the tournament after suffering five straight losses and one win in the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and they would be under pressure to make amends in the SAFF Cup which they have dominated for long with six titles to their kitty. Anything less than a final appearance in this tournament, which is also being held at home, will be considered a disaster.

Maldives are the second most successful side in the SAFF Cup and are currently above India in FIFA rankings (at 160 against India's 166), and Constantine was cautious in his remarks yesterday. "We are looking forward to a difficult game against Maldives as they are a good side. Not only are Maldives highly organised, they are good in the attacking department too. It will be tricky," he said.

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