Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 29 (IANS) Ahead of their SAFF Championship semi-final clash against India on Thursday, Maldives football team coach said he was confident that his side can come out victorious against the hosts.
After losing 1-4 to Afghanistan on Monday, Maldives were resigned to second spot in Group B and will face India in the first semifinal whereas Afghanistan will face Sri Lanka in the second semi-final.
“Even if we had won yesterday’s game against Afghanistan, we would’ve had to win the semifinal and the final to lift the trophy. So we should not be anxious about the clash. I’m confident our team after a good rest can beat India,” Herbert was quoted as saying by Maldivian daily Haveeru on Tuesday.
Despite the confidence, Herbert said he was wary of India’s home advantage and admitted that the South Asian giants have a strong young team.
India have beaten the island nation six times in the knockout stage of the SAFF Championship previously.
