2009 SAFF Cup Semifinals: India edge past Bangladesh to reach finals
India (U 23) defeated hosts Bangladesh 1-0 to enter the Finals of the sixth SAFF Cup Championship 2009 played at a packed Bangbandhu National Football Stadium ,Dhaka on Friday.Both the teams were goalless at the lemon break.India U 23 will now play defending champions Maldives in the Finals on Sunday.
The winning goal was scored by India Under 23 captain Sushil Kuamr Singh off a free kick by Robert from outside the box in the 62nd minute ,when his right foot grounder went went past the Bangla keeper and found the back of the net.
India started on a very positive note and gave their best performance of the championship and completely dominated the proceedings except few patches when Bangladesh tried to come back in the game.
Indian defence,midfield and forward line combined well creating chances and denying opportunities to Bangladesh strikers.
Sushil ,Jeje and Robert had opportunity to score in the first half but Indians were unlucky to miss due to some good saves by Bangladesh keeper Aminul.
India had made their intentions very clear and launched offensives right from the kick off.Sushil had an opportunity very early in the match but Bangla keeper easily saved it ,Jeje’s header from a free kick just went wide off the post in the 18th minute ,later India were awarded a free kick from top of the box when Ariful Islam fouled Sushil,the resultant free kick by Robert was brilliantly saved by Bangla keeper.Jibon Singh attempt in 37th min was also well cleared by the keeper.
India could have increased the lead in the injury time but Jagtar’s shot was once again saved by Bangla keeper.
India U 23 players especially Jibon Singh ,Jewel Raja ,Jeje ,Denzil gave superlative performance and Arindam Bhattacharya once again proved his class with some brilliant saves under the bar.
Post Match comments :
Sukhvinder Singh : Coach India U 23 Team :
About match:Yesterday I told my team to be in the final and we did it. Our opponent was not able to play according to their plan and the better team of the day won the match.
About performance:Boys played well today. But we played first two games as usual. Today they played as planned. The boys proved their worth in the field. We expected to play the final. We got chances and we made it.
Source: AIFF
Venue: Bangabandhu National Stadium
Score: India 1-0 Bangladesh
Goals:
India
63′ Sushil Kumar Singh
Bangladesh
Cards
India
13′ Robert Lalthalma
27′ K Jeevan Singh
87′ Denzil Franco
Bangladesh
31′ Ariful Islam Arif
