India were not well prepared for SAFF Championship 2013 – Nepal’s Rabin Shrestha

Nepal’s player of the tournament at SAFF Championship 2013 believes six-time record champions India didn’t have the right preparation ahead of the tournament and thus struggled their way into the final where they lost 2-0 against Afghanistan.

India were also beaten by Nepal 2-1 with Rabin setting up the second goal which was scored by Jumanu Rai and ahead of Tuesday’s international friendly in Siliguri the defender stated that his side have plenty of self-belief now.

“I have played against India in the past also but at the SAFF Championship I think their problem was that they were not well prepared. In football or any sport preparation is the most important aspect and I don’t think they had that. We beat them last time and the feeling in the squad is positive ahead of this match,” Rabin told Sportskeeda.

The left back though quickly pointed out that despite not being at their best India still reached the final and is thus expecting a tough encounter on Tuesday.

“Despite their problems you have to give credit to India for reaching the final. It will be very difficult against them as they are playing at home but we are looking forward to it,” said the 22-year-old.

Rabin, who is possibly having the best phase of his career, admitted that the absence of Rohit Chand, Bimal Gharti Magar and Bharat Khawas is a big loss for the team but remains confident of winning the match.

“Well of course we will miss them as they are all important players. But we still have a good team and are capable of winning this match,” the Nepal Police defender commented.