Chhetri confident of Blue Tigers' preparedness despite missing coach Stimac, Jhingan & Ali
BENGALURU: Eight-time champions India will be raring to go in the semifinals of the SAFF Championship against Lebanon at the Sree Kanteerava stadium here on Saturday.
However, the Sunil Chhetri-led side will be hampered by the absence of head coach Igor Stimac, key defender Sandesh Jhingan (two yellow cards) and striker Rahim Ali, who are serving suspensions. Rahim came on as a substitute against Kuwait but was sent off following a brawl in the second half.
1/10:India vs Lebanon SAFF Championship semi-final preview, head to head records
2/10:All eyes on Chhetri
<p>India will bank on the striking prowess of their talismanic captain Sunil Chhetri to tame a formidable Lebanon in the SAFF Championship semi-final on Saturday.</p>TOI Sports
3/10:India finished second in group
<p>India, the defending champions, entered the semis as the second-placed team behind Kuwait from Group A while Lebanon topped Group B in their march to the last-four stage.</p>TOI Sports
4/10:India's goal-machine
<p>Chhetri has been India's primary weapon in this tournament, as he has so far netted five goals from three matches to sit on top of the goal-scorers' list. The count of goals includes a hat-trick against Pakistan.</p>TOI Sports
5/10:Sunil Chhetri
<p>Chhetri will have to be on top of his game for India to hurdle over the Lebanon challenge, and this is not to say that others will have a lesser role.</p>IANS
6/10:India need team performance
<p>The likes of Sahal Abdul Samad, Mahesh Singh and Udanta Singh will have to up the ante to support their skipper. </p>AFP
7/10:India's solid defence
<p>The home side will also hope that their defence will continue to work like a well-oiled machine as they have conceded only one goal in the last nine matches.</p>IANS
8/10:The beginning...
<p>The first meeting between these two sides took place in 1977 and since then they have engaged with each other seven more times.</p>IANS
9/10:Head to Head
<p>Overall, Lebanon hold a 3-2 edge over India with three matches ending in draws.</p>TOI Sports
10/10:India vs Lebanon
<p>However, India can take solace from the fact that their two recent outings against Lebanon fetched positive results. </p>IANSChhetri tried to play down the absence of the coach. "Of course, you want the boss to be there. But almost all of the preparations are done with his involvement," the skipper said on the eve of the match. "I will always miss Sandesh because he never likes to lose but whoever comes in his place will do justice and give his best."
Asked about the high-pressing and intense game against Kuwait that saw three red cards, Chhetri, who scored in all the three matches here, said the team had gelled well over the last 45 days. "We were jittery to start with as we all had a long year. Now the combination is at its peak. But let's not get carried away. After all the hard work, we don't want to let it go as potentially we have two matches in hand. A lot of boys including Mahesh (Singh) and (Lallianzuala) Chhangte have done well and Sandesh was outstanding throughout the year.
"It's not easy for a young player to get into the first XI and that's what Mahesh has done. What helps when you play teams like Lebanon, you get an idea of how Syria and Uzbekistan, a top team, might be. We are going to face Australia (in the Asia Cup) so in matches like these it gives you an idea of their level," said the skipper, adding that he had no idea how long he would be able to continue.
Chhetri, Maatouk in focus
India were held goalless by Lebanon in the preliminary round in the Intercontinental Cup in Bhubaneswar before beating the West Asian nation 2-0 in the final. Assistant coach Mahesh Gawli said the experience of facing them twice recently will help the hosts. "We have done our best to recuperate after playing so many matches in a short time. It will be a tough match for us but our boys are motivated and want to continue (the good work)," Gawli said. "They are good technically and we need to watch out for their No. 7 (Hassan Maatouk). But we have a plan for him."
Chhetri was sure the fans would get their money's worth in the second semifinal. "We have been treated to some outstanding support in the last few games and I'm pretty sure Bengaluru is going to turn up again for the semifinals. If you need any added motivation - then it's the semifinal and it's in Bengaluru. Lebanon also will want to avenge their defeat. In all, it's proper entertainment so don't miss out."
Lebanon coach Aleksandar Ilic said there were no secrets between the two teams now and added that Chhetri will be their target. "We will be without two players who played in Bhubaneswar as they are busy with their commitments. But we will field our best team. This game is very important to us and we are motivated. It will be important to score first," the coach said.
