Ishfaq awaits India’s hat-trick in SAFF Under-17; Proud to have been in part of scouting the boys

Sudeep Pakrashi:

Ishfaq Ahmed, the former India international and national coach is waiting for the result of today’s SAFF Under-17 football championship final between India and Bangladesh. There is a reason behind. Ishfaq was the man who scouted the footballers who will be vying for the title for the third consecutive time in the SAFF Under-17 championship.

While speaking over phone from Srinagar on Saturday morning, Ishfaq explained, “Bangladesh is undoubtedly tough opposition. Bangladesh have an advantage that they have been to retain most of their boys who participated in the championship last year when I was coach of India Under-17. But Considering India’s performance in the last match, I believe now we have been stronger than them.”

India’s one of the key strikers, Rahan Ahmed who is playing as number.9 in this championship, is being talked about. Ishfaq also applauded saying, “His key strength is that he is a good finisher. He is technically strong also. He is potential although he has long way to go.”

Rahan has been in excellent form in the tournament, could not make a goal-scoring contribution in the semi-final against Nepal, but his attacking threat will keep Bangladesh on their toes in the final. He has played an instrumental role in carrying India to the knockouts with his clutch performances against Bhutan and Pakistan. Had it not been for his late winners, India might not have stayed in contention for defending their title. Bibiano will expect his ‘Super Sub’ to replicate his group stage brilliance again in the final.

However, India and Bangladesh have been locked in some fierce contests in the past at all levels of international football. The group A toppers have been in fine form. They were sublime in the group stage, hammering both Nepal and Sri Lanka with a 4-0 score line. The semi-final against Pakistan also saw Bangladesh making the opposition helpless.

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