Indian head coach Igor Stimac was delighted after India defeated Kuwait by 5-4 on penalties to win their ninth SAFF Championship title at Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru on Tuesday. The Croatian feels they can get the desired results if they are given enough time and space for their preparation.
Before winning SAFF Championship, the Blue Tigers had also won Tri-nation and the Hero Intercontinental Cup and have continued to impress. Meanwhile, Shabib Al Khiladi scored for Kuwait to put his team in front in the 14th minute of the summit clash.
However, the home team bounced back in style as Chhangte scored in the 38th minute. But both teams failed to find the back of the net in the remainder of the regular time and also extra time.
Meanwhile, in the penalty shootout, Chhetri, Jhingan, Chhangte, and Subhasish scored for India, whereas Al-Otaibi, Al-Dhefeery, Mahran, and Al-Khaldi scored their respective penalties for Kuwait. India’s veteran goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu saved Kuwait captain Haijah’s penalty and helped India in their championship win.
“This was good, we created memories and we proved once again to everyone [that] when we are given time to work together, to create an environment which can produce results for Indian football, then we are successful as a team and you can enjoy the game we play,” the Croat said, after the triumph over Kuwait in the final.
“Otherwise, neither my players or the staff are taking responsibility for the results in the future if we are not given time to work together.”
India will now gear up for the AFC Asian Cup where they will face potent teams like Australia, Syria, and Uzbekistan. The 55-year-old gaffer added it will be crucial for the team to prepare well for the important tournament.
“Asian Cup is far away. The most important time for the National team of India to prepare well for the Asian Cup is December. We are looking to get minimum four weeks of preparation. The rest doesn’t matter.”
India will take on Australia on 13th January at Ahmed bin Ali Stadium in the AFC Asian Cup.
