Defending Champion India Will Take On Afghanistan

Defending champion India will take on Afghanistan in their first Group A encounter of the SAFF Cup at the Jawarharlal Nehru Stadium on Saturday.

Almost everyone would say India would win the Championship – but if you look beneath the notion, it’s not that easy.

However, chances have brightened as two of their star strikers Sunil Chhetri and Jeje Lalpekhlua, who were sorely missed in the last International Friendly against Zambia are back with the team.

The Indian team that underwent their training session in the morning slugged it hard at the Ambedkar Stadium. The mood seemed positive with the players enjoying Delhi’s weather.

But it wasn’t all about fun. Team Coach Savio Medeira got down to business when he said, “Afghanistan are a capable side. The exuberance of youth stands out. This match will surely be a very good challenge for us.”

“They have been playing very well in the recent past. So we need to be extra careful.”

“The Championship gives us the opportunity to further improve at the International Level,” he added.

India and Afghanistan -- Head To Head (All Tournaments)

Total Matches - 12

India Won - 10

Afghanistan Won - 1

Drawn - 1

India Goals - 25

Afganistan Goals - 5

Last Two Matches in SAFF Cup

12.1.03 - India - 4                  Afghanistan - 0 - Dhaka - 2003
             (Ashim Biswas-2
             Alvito D Cunha-2)

5.12.09 - India - 1                  Afghanistan - 0 - Dhaka - 2009
             (Jeje Lalpekhlua)

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