TRIVANDRUM: Even as India clash swords against Afghanistan in a repeat of the 2011 and the 2013 edition of the SAFF Finals on Sunday (January 03, 2016) at the Trivandrum International Stadium in Kerala, Afghanistan coach Peter Segrt believes that “it will be a new day for both the teams.”

Speaking at the official pre-match press conference, Segrt said: “Both Teams are in the Finals of the Tournament to win and it will be a new day for both the Teams.”

“The Indian Team is very strong and I have the utmost respect of their Coach, Players and all the staff. We will not take them lightly.”

“India will make it difficult for us. They have the Players to do so and the crowd will be also cheering for them,” he added.

“If we have to win tomorrow against India, we need to be focused and will have to give out cent percent on the pitch,” explained Segrt, who was linked to the Germany U-21 job prior to taking up the job as the Afghanistan Head Coach.

Both India and Afghanistan are undefeated in this edition’s SAFF Suzuki Cup and with 90 minutes separating the Teams from claiming the coveted Trophy tensions will be running high.

“This is what matters. The Finals is what matters. Nobody cares if we won all our games in the Group Stages. The Final is what we came for and we have to win it for the people of Afghanistan.”

“At the same time, I saw the work rate of the Indian Players and it is tremendous. They will give us a hard time on the pitch without a shadow of doubt.”

“India can be proud of their National Team. They are compact and have a very good Coach who knows how to run proceedings,” Segrt stated.

Given that India and Afghanistan stay in the same Hotel Segrt mentioned about the manner both the Teams greeted each other first thing during Breakfast on New Year’s Day.

“The Indian Squad and our Team met at Breakfast in the Hotel and each and every one of the Indian Players greeted our squad, wished them a Happy New Year, and vice-versa,” informed Segrt.

“This is the true spirit of the sport. This is true fair-play.”

By Joseph Solomon,
AIFF Media Team