Anyone’s game now

Dubai, October 28

As India suffered a 1-0 defeat to hosts UAE in their second match of the AFC U-23 Championships qualifiers at the Fujairah Stadium on Wednesday night, head coach Igor Stimac lamented the loss that jeopardised team’s chances of qualifying.

“We made one mistake, and that mistake cost us a point, not three as we didn’t deserve three points against UAE,” the coach added.

That mistake which put India in a spot was conceding a late penalty after Suresh Singh brought Ali Saleh down inside the box and defender Abdulla Idrees converted from the spot to hand UAE a crucial lead in the 82nd minute.

Both the Group E encounters ended in similar fashion as Oman got the better of Kyrgyz Republic thanks to a late penalty like hosts UAE. This means the equation in the group can tilt in anyone’s favour as all four teams are locked on three points each, with identical goal differences. Had India won the game, they would have virtually secured a spot.

“It’s a very interesting situation in the group wherein the situation is extremely tight. Teams are quite different, but then again very similar in regards to what someone can do on the pitch. Everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses,” the Croat quipped.

The group-topper will qualify for the finals in Uzbekistan next year, whereas four best runners-up will also join them.

And Stimac wants his young guns to take Asia by surprise. They are up against Kyrgyz Republic in the last game. “We need to do our best, find the strength and power, and then get out on the pitch and get the points which may surprise all of Asia if India qualifies,” he expressed. — TNS, agencies