Akhmedov heaps praise on players

Indian U-20 football coach Ismail Akhmedov asserted that he had adopted the correct strategy during the Group IV matches and proved his detractors wrong. “Our strategy for the tournament was right; the boys played like champs and deserved to win,” burst out an ecstatic Islam Akhmedov after India pulverised Kyrgyzstan 4-0 in the AFC Soccer Championship.

As the U-20 team took a victory lap in the rain drenched Yuva Bharati Krirangan here last night, Akhmedov was seen pacing up and down with his fists clenched, letting out his pent up emotions. Akhmedov said: “I was hurt at the negative comments of the media after the draw against the Tajiks. But one must understand a tournament is not just one match. Our strategy for the tourney was correct and the proof is in the result.’’

“Tajiks are a strong side and we had our game plan for them. Your country should be proud of upstaging two former Soviet Union teams to Qatar,” the Uzbek said.

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“I am a very proud and happy man today. Your country has talent and I hope people recognise that,’’ he added.

The sagging popularity of Indian football was evident from the fact that only a handful had gathered to witness the glorious victory and a lone tricolour fluttered on the eastern stands when India completed the humiliation of Kyrgyzstan.