India focus on final day of World Cup qualifiers against Nepal

Thimphu (Bhutan), September 5: India are just a point away from securing their berth in the SAFF U-16 Championship 2023, but the Blue Colts focus remains squarely on their last Group A match against Nepal. India began their campaign with a 1-0 victory over Bangladesh, and are expected to meet Nepal on Wednesday, September 6th, 2023 at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu, Bhutan. head coach Ishfaq Ahmed, head coach, put off all talks about the possible permutations and combinations of their semi-final opponents until the spot was actually secured. We've been watching all the matches of other groups, he said. If we top our group, we can play hosts Bhutan, and if we finish second, we will play Pakistan. I have assessed their strengths and weaknesses, but all that will come later, he said to the-aiff.com. We must focus on getting the job done against Nepal right now, he said. India are currently fourth in Group A with three points from one game, with a score difference of +1, having defeated Bangladesh 1-0 in the opening match. Bangladesh have regained the edge on the table, defeating Nepal 1-0 in the opening round of the World Cup. A draw or a win will secure India's top spot in the group, but a loss may make things more complicated. While all the permutations and combinations exist, the Blue Colts are simply looking to maintain their winning streak. We don't want to get caught up in all the permutations and combinations. We just want to win and maintain our momentum, he said. Of course, they will try to push us hard and try to get the result, but I see that as a good thing for the boys. Putting them under such pressure will only benefit them in the future, he said. Ahmed watched closely on the Nepal-Bangladesh match, and he believes that the side from the Himalayan nation can pack quite the punch. I think they are a good side and played well against Bangladesh. They were unlucky to have lost that match, he said. I expect them to have a good fight. We need only a draw, but we will go in positive, with a positive attitude and try to get the three points. Over the last few days in Bhutan, India's U-16s have had a range of tough training sessions, as well as some good recovery sessions. Ahmed said that the boys are now fairly acclimatised to the conditions in the mountains. Now, he said, the boys are now used to the altitude and the weather. They have improved a lot. The first international match they played was a tough one, and they showed a few nerves in the first half. But they showed good character to come back in the second half and together, he said. However, the former India international winger feels that the team should improve their efficiency in the final third. We created many chances against Bangladesh, but we must finish them. I would like them to have more possession and not hurry the final pass, rather wait for the right moment, and then play it, he said. India's Group A match against Nepal will take place at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu, Bhutan on Wednesday, September 6th, 2023, and will be streamed live on the Sportzworkz YouTube channel.