Kathmandu: A day stays for the ball to get rolling in the AFC Challenge Cup and all the eight coaches of the participating teams came together for the Official Media Interaction at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Kathmandu, Nepal on Wednesday (March 7) afternoon.

Speaking at the meet, National Coach Savio Medeira said, “The team has had a decent preparation in Dubai ahead of the AFC Challenge Cup. Though the results were not favourable in the two International Friendlies but one needs to remember we couldn’t field a full-strength side.”

“The morale of the boys stay high. I’m sure we will stage a good show. Like any other team, we are here to win. It doesn’t matter even if we have been clubbed in the Group of Death,” he added.

India take on Tajikistan in their first match on March 9. “They are a capable side. We need to stay alert,” Savio maintained. He also termed DPR Korea as the strongest among the group to qualify for the semifinal.

Meanwhile, the Team had a morning training session at the All Nepal Football Association training ground where they went through grueling fitness training sessions under the watchful eyes of the Trainer Pradip Dutta.

That was followed by a 60-minute intense session where savio stressed on tactical play.

Former AIFF Player-of-the-Year, defender Gourmangi Singh said the boys are raring to go. “We all are looking forward for the match against Tajikistan. They are a tough opponent. But we want to start our campaign on a positive note and will strive hard to achieve it,” he added.

By Upender Singh