SAFF Championship 2013 semi-final preview: Maldives vs India

Maldives football player Ali Asfaq (C) vies with Bhutanese opponents Pema (L) and Chencho during the SAFF Championship football match in Kathmandu on September 4, 2013. (PRAKASH MATHEMA/AFP/Getty Images)

Team News

Maldives

Ali Ashfaq will of course return to the starting line-up after being unused against Afghanistan in the last group game, as he was on a booking. Urbanyi is likely to employ a 3-5-2, but it could change during the game depending on India’s system and the scoreline, as Maldives defensively haven’t looked solid and were completely exposed by Bhutan for one half.

Possible XI: Imran Mohamed; Mohamed Sifan, Akram Abul Gani, Shafiu Ahamed; Ali Fasir, Mohamed Arif, Ahamed Niyaz, Mohamed Umair, Mohamed Rasheed; Ashadulla Abdulla, Ali Ashfaq.

India

The big decision for Koevermans will be to decide whether he plays two upfront or sticks to his 4-4-1-1 formation. Since it’s a semi-final, the Dutch coach is expected to retain his favourite system and Jeje Lalpekhlua is likely to get the nod upfront as the lone striker. Syed Rahim Nabi is likely to keep his place in the team and should start in left midfield, which would provide adequate cover for left back Mohanraj, while Francis Fernandes should return to the eleven after missing the Nepal game due to a calf injury.

Possible XI: Subrata Pal, Nirmal Chettri, Gouramangi Singh, Arnab Mondal, Nallappan Mohanraj; Francis Fernandes, Lenny Rodrigues, Mehtab Hossain, Syed Rahim Nabi; Jewel Raja; Jeje Lalpekhlua.

Form Guide

Maldives: DWWWD

Maldives are not only unbeaten at SAFF Championship 2013 but also haven’t lost a game in this calendar year. Their last defeat in an official match came against India in the 2012 Nehru Cup, and they haven’t defeated India’s senior team since the SAFF 2008 final.

India: LLWDL

Following the defeat to Nepal, India’s record under Koevermans reads (Played 12; Won: 5; Drawn: 2; Lost: 5) and just three wins in eight matches on foreign soil. But he guided India to a 3-0 victory over Maldives in last year’s Nehru Cup and would happily settle for even a 1-0 victory this time.

Player To Watch

Maldives – Ali Ashfaq

The Maldives superstar admitted that he is currently having the best phase of his career, but it would be meaningless if he doesn’t have a major national team honour to show for it. Ashfaq will be determined to get on the score sheet in this game and inspire Maldives to their fifth finals appearance.

India – Syed Rahim Nabi

The reigning AIFF Player of the Year is undoubtedly the only other real match winner that India has besides Sunil Chhetri, and with the captain suspended, Nabi will have to take more responsibility. He has scored in his last two matches against Maldives and will have to score in this game also if India wants to reach the final.