New Delhi: A ‘disappointing draw against hosts Nepal’ notwithstanding, the India U-16 team are ready for the challenges ahead, coach Bibiano Fernandes said, ahead of their next outing against with reigning U-16 champions Iraq in the final fixture of the AFC championship 2018 qualifiers at the Halchowk Stadium in Kathmandu on Sunday.
“Yes, obviously boys were feeling a bit down following the draw against Nepal. We were really disappointed but now we have shifted our focus to the match against Iraq,” Fernandes said
“There is a positive vibe amongst the boys and they’re determined to take the fight to Iraq tomorrow.”
Iraq top Group D with six points from two matches while India are on four points from their two games. “We know the match is going to be extremely crucial, not only for us but also for them. We have to keep an eye on the other groups as the calculations will prove to be pivotal in our quest to qualify for the AFC U-16 Championship,” he said.
“The boys are in great shape and everyone is ready to give it a shot against the defending champions. “We have to be on top of our game for 90 minutes and it might be the key to get a positive result. We can’t afford to lose our concentration any time, otherwise, we might have to leave Nepal empty-handed,” the coach added.
