SAFF Cup: India Face Maldives in High-Octane Semi-Final Clash
India so far have impressed in the SAFF Cup with two wins from as many matches while the Maldives come into the semi-finals on the back of two wins and a loss.
South Asia's two dominant football nations will face-off in a high-voltage encounter when hosts India take on Maldives in the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Cup semifinal on Thursday. (SAFF Cup: We Can Beat India, Says Maldives coach Ricki Herbert)
India so far have impressed in the ongoing tournament with two wins from as many matches. The hosts started off their campaign with a 2-0 win against Sri Lanka, following it with a 4-1 mauling of Nepal. (SAFF Cup: Robin Singh Scores Brace as India Defeat Sri Lanka 2-0)
On the other hand, Maldives, who won the tournament for the only time in 2008, come into the match after a 1-4 loss to defending champions Afghanistan, before winning 3-1 against Bhutan and 3-1 win over Bangladesh.
India, ahead of the crucial match, suffered a big blow as star striker Robin Singh was ruled out of the tournament due to a knee injury. Robin netted twice in India's win over Sri Lanka. (SAFF Cup: Major Setback For India, Delhi Dynamos Star Robin Singh Ruled Out Due to Injury)
The guidelines of the SAFF Cup, however, state that India won't be allowed to register any replacement for Robin. The strength of the squad, hence, at present is 19 which includes three goalkeepers.
With Robin out of the frame, coach Stephen Constantine will hope skipper Sunil Chhetri leads the team from the front.
Chhetri, Holicharan Narzary and Jeje Lalpekhlua are the options for Constantine in the striking position.
Besides Chhetri, all eyes will be on record-breaking teenager Lallianzuala Chhangte. Chhangte, 18, who netted twice against Nepal, became the youngest Indian scorer, moving past the iconic Baichung Bhutia, who did it as a 19-year-old in 1995.
Constantine will hope his team gives their very best to secure a place in the final to be played on January 3.
For six-time champions India though, any slip-up would be considered a disaster as they are favourites and have the full support of the home crowd.
India have beaten Maldives six times in the knockout stage of the SAFF Cup previously.
Afghanistan take on Sri Lanka in the other semifinal later on Thursday.