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| AFC Challenge Cup |
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| Houghton dismisses ‘favourites’ tag |
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| India coach Bob Houghton insists the AFC Challenge Cup hosts are not necessarily the favourites against Myanmar. |
HYDERABAD –Coach Bob Houghton played down suggestions India were favourites for the last-four clash with Myanmar as they look to book their place in the final of the AFC Challenge Cup on home soil.
The hosts booked their passage into the semi-finals courtesy of an impressive 2-1 victory over Turkmenistan that saw them eventually top Group A.
However, Houghton insisted Thursday’s encounter at the Gachibowli Stadium is anything but a foregone conclusion.
"Each game gives you different challenges. People expect us to beat Myanmar because we are playing at home. That's a psychological challenge we have to overcome,” he said.
"What is of more importance than the name of the opposition is the condition of the ground. If we get some more rain, it would be okay. But if it dries out and the ground gets hard, then it is going to be difficult for us."
However, India should be almost at full-strength for the encounter with the ASEAN side.
"We are in good shape physically except for a few small injuries," Houghton added.
"(Sunil) Chettri has a few stitches on his eyebrow. Steven (Dias) and Climax (Lawrence) have sore ankles but that shouldn't be a problem.
"(NP) Pradeep has injured his hamstring and that may be a bigger problem."
With a place in the 2011 Asian Cup up for grabs, Houghton also underlined lifting the AFC Challenge Cup would represent a huge fillip for Indian football, though he refused to get too far ahead of himself.
"The big, big incentive is that the winners get to play in the Asian Cup 2011 finals. It would be extremely beneficial to Indian football if we qualify for that tournament, especially since it would give us a lot of time to prepare," he added.
"We can only concentrate on one match at a time. It's really dangerous to look beyond."
Myanmar coach Marcos Falopa, meanwhile, believes his side would have to overcome the odds if they are to make the final.
"It's not going to be easy," he said.
"India look good physically and mentally and they have two advantages: They play at home and they have had one more day of rest than us.
"We have got to beat them technically and tactically and that's what we have been working on."
Falopa may also have to make do without attacking spearhead Soe Myat Min.
"We have got a few injuries. Soe Myat is injured but I hope he makes it. Thura (Aung) is recovering and he may be fit. We have to see."
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