SAFF Championship 2023 bracket was selected on Wednesday (May 17), and India was scheduled to face Pakistan.The eight SAFF Championship teams were divided into two groups of four. Hosts India was automatically assigned to Group A prior to the draw, where they are now joined by Pakistan, Kuwait, and Nepal. Lebanon will join the Maldives, Bangladesh, and Bhutan as the fourth team in Group B. Former Blue Tigers Steven Dias, Bhaichung Bhutia, Shabbir Ali and Gourmangi Singh shared their insights on the draw. Follow Indian Football Team LIVE Updates on InsideSport.IN.
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“It is a good draw. Kuwait is the only opposition that is tricky. But India should have easy passage. Yes, we have to consider India favourites for the tournament”. said Bhaichung Bhutia who has previously captained the Blue Tigers.
“I know it’s a big rivalry but there’s not much to show in football. India should have no problems in winning.”
For the first time in five years, India will face Pakistan in the SAFF Championship. The two teams last met in the semifinals of the 2018 SAFF Championship. India won the game 3-1.
Pakistan has rejoined the SAFF after missing out on two of the 13 tournaments held since 1993. The Pakistan Football Federation was unable to send a team to the 2015 event in India due to internal issues. The nation skipped the 2021 edition due to their FIFA sanction. The prohibition was lifted last year.
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“Kuwait is a tricky clash, they always put up a good team. It will be difficult but not impossible. Against Nepal and Pakistan, we should win. We have always done well against them, and that should be the case again. If India can thwart Kuwait, they can very well be favourites.” said Steven Dias.
The Blue Tigers won the SAFF tournament’s 2021 edition final match between India and Nepal 3-0 to win their eighth championship. In preparation for the 2011 AFC Asian Cup, India last faced Kuwait in an international friendly in 2010. By a score of 9-1, the Kuwaitis destroyed the Blue tigers.
“It’s a favourable draw, but there should be no room for complacency. We are preparing for a big tournament (Asian Cup), so we should take each match seriously and the players to qualify. Kuwait will be a difficult clash, but India can still beat them. Expect them to qualify from the group. “ added Gourmangi Singh.
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AIFF Executive Committee Member and former Blue Tiger Shabbir Ali resonated to the thought that India are the favourite to emerge as a chmpion.
” India is favourites to win the competition. However, football is an unpredictable game. India needs to do their best nd come out on the top of the tournament. “ he said.
India has usually been the dominant power in the tournament. They’ve won the competition eight times in total, with the most recent victory coming in 2021.The 14th edition of the event will be held in Bengaluru, India, from June 21 to July 4. The Maldives, which has won the title twice, is the closest to India.
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