Title favourites India begin their SAFF Championships campaign against a plucky Bangladesh today, knowing fully well that they are just “a little bit superior” than their opponents despite the domination in this regional tournament.

India have won the tournament seven times out of the 12 editions but by the own admission of their captain Sunil Chhetri, every match will be like a “war to fight.” Bangladesh have been a tough customers for India who had needed a late equaliser in the first leg of the 2022 World Cup qualifiers match in Kolkata to draw 1-1. The Blue Tigers had though won the second leg 2-0.