The third edition of the Saff Under-16 Championship will get underway today when reigning champions India and Sri Lanka take on each other at Sylhet District Stadium at 5pm.
India assistant coach Bibiano Fernandes uttered words of confidence while facing the media in the pre-match press conference yesterday.
“We have a good team that I can expect to play positive football. Our target is to win the title,” said Bibiano before adding, “It’s true that we are the defending champions but that is in the past and what we now have is a different side. They are talented and ready to take the field.”
While the Indians are targeting the title, the Lankans are eyeing a semi-final spot. If the islanders are to achieve their target, they must oust either the title holders or hosts Bangladesh from the group stage.
“We have been taking preparation for a month. India are favourites but we want to do something different. It’s a tough group where we face India and Bangladesh but I hope we can make into the semi-final,” Sri Lanka head coach Mohammad Roomy told the media yesterday.
The home side will begin their campaign against Sri Lanka this Tuesday before facing India two days later. All the matches will kick off at 5pm and will be held at SDS.
