| |
|
|
 |
|
| News Centre |
|
|
|
| India, Maldives in final |
 |
| Maldives' Ibrahim Fazeel celebrates after scoring the goal against Sri Lanka in the SAFF Championship semi-final on Wednesday. Photo from maldivesoccer.com |
MALE/COLOMBO: Defending champions India overcame a spirited Bhutan 2-1 to set up the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Championship summit clash against Maldives on Wednesday.
In another semi-final between the co-hosts, Maldives edged past Sri Lanka 1-0, thanks to a Ibrahim Fazeel strike in the 70th minute.
Bhutan, who were considered whipping boys of world football, not only held the favourites 1-1 at the end of regulation time but also forced India to wait till the last minute of extra time to get the match-winner.
Bhutan took the lead in the 19th minute as Kinley Dorji but Sunil Chhetri restored the parity in the 30th minute. Gourmangi Singh scored the winner off a free-kick seconds before the end of extra-time.
India coach Bob Houghton denied having underestimating Bhutan. “We didn’t underestimate Bhutan. It was another poor day for our strikers as we couldn’t score after creating so many chances,” said the Englishman. “Bhutan played really well and credit goes to them.”
Maldives coach Joseph Jankech was elated with his side’s victory over Sri Lanka. “I am happy with the win as we played positive football tonight,” he said.
The final will be played on Saturday in Colombo.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
