India coach Bob Houghton answers a question during the post-match press conference in Hyderabad after his team defeated Myanmar in the semi-finals of AFC Challenge Cup on Thursday.

HYDERABAD – India coach Bob Houghton believes his players showed great determination to prevail 1-0 over Myanmar and progress to the final of the AFC Challenge Cup.

Sunil Chhetri headed in captain Baichung Bhutia’s cross nine minutes from time as the hosts triumphed in difficult conditions in Thursday’s first semi-final.

A downpour towards the end of the first period subsided to a steady drizzle throughout the second, turning the pitch into a quagmire, but India’s persistence paid off.

"You can't say much of the technical aspects of this game, but what you can say is that we showed a great will to win," Houghton said.

"In the first half, it was difficult because we had the worst half of the field to defend.

"But then the rain changed everything and it became impossible everywhere.”

Houghton rallied his troops during the break and told them that the worst was over.

"What I did say to them at half-time was that we had the worst of the field,” he added.

“It was extremely difficult to get the ball out. But in the second half the rain evened it out."

Both sides squandered numerous opportunities throughout the second half.

Si Thu Win watched as a header came back off the underside of the crossbar as Marcos Falopa's side did everything but score before Chettri struck.

Chettri, who had missed several opportunities, cushioned Bhutia’s cross with his head before directing another header into the back of the net after 81 minutes.

Houghton, who prior to this match had said rain would help India's cause, was disappointed for a good contest to be turned in a kick-and-run affair but was adamant the best team won.

"We dominated the second half and we deserved to win," he added.

"You would like a game to be decided by football, by technical quality and this game wasn't decided by technical quality.

"Nobody can be happy with that."

Myanmar coach Falopa rued the bad weather and the defensive lapse which contributed to the defeat.
However, he also credited India for a spirited performance.

"My defence made a mistake and India scored,” he said.

“Perhaps if we had to meet some other opponent other than India, it would have been better for us."
Falopa was happy with the overall performance of his team.

"I want to congratulate my boys,” he added.

“They did a good job especially since they were not expected to go far.

"They have represented their country well.

"But I guess we need to prepare much better for the next time."