India's first title post-Bhutia era beckons

NEW DELHI: When India take on unpredictable Afghanistan in the SAFF Championship final on Sunday, the defending champions will be up against a nation which hardly has a football past to talk about.
Barring one or two occasions in the tournament's 18-year history, India's authority in the subcontinent has seldom been challenged. But in Sunday's final, the five-time champions a stiff task.Their domination in south Asian football is being threatened by the Afghans who held the hosts to a 1-1 draw in their opening group match.
"We respect Afghanistan. It is their first entry into the final and technically they are a good side. They have some very good players, who play in Europe. They played consistently well," said Savio Medeira. That drawn game should send a strong message to Medeira, who is now hoping to win his maiden title after becoming the national coach last month. He is aware that his team will have to hit the right chord in the final if they want to defend the crown which India's U-23 team won in Dhaka two years ago.
The heartening news for the Indian coach is that some of his players have regained confidence and form after a not-so-impressive start in the tournament. Delhi boy Sunil Chhetri has been an inspiration, having already pumped in six goals. Chhetri's consistency upfront and reliability of Syed Rahim Nabi as the left-back would certainly give India some advantage.
As for Afghanistan, the strife-torn nation is desperately seeking a 'big' title. "We will be delighted if we win. After all, a triumph in an international event will rejuvenate our people who have been hit hard with the recent bomb blasts," said coach Yousof Kargar.
Definitely not among the great teams of south Asia, Afghanistan managed to uncork a huge surprise in the ongoing event. They are now being hailed as serious contenders for the title. But to unsettle India, strikers Belal Arezou (joint top scorer with Chhetri) and Senjar Ahmadi will have to be at their best.