Football: Upbeat India eye semifinal slot

With Ghana’s participation most likely to be ruled out in view of their non-arrival yet, India with a win against Rwanda is expected to...

With Ghana’s participation most likely to be ruled out in view of their non-arrival yet, India with a win against Rwanda is expected to seal a place in the semi-final when they take on Malaysia in their second group ‘A’ football league match of the Afro-Asian Games at the Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium here tomorow.

Though the officials remained tight-lipped about the fate of Ghana, the fourth team, indications are that the group would now be reduced to a three-team affair. Ghana were to play their opening match against Malaysia yesterday but the match could not held due to their non-arrival. AIFF officials said only the games organising committe could take a decision in the matter.

India, who routed Rwanda 3-1 in their opening match yesterday, can afford to even settle for a draw against Malaysia tomorrow and that will enable them to advance to the semifinals. However, doubts about the group ‘B’ fixtures were put to rest with the Busan Asian Games champions Iran finally arriving here this morning in time for their match against Uzbekistan later this evening.

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The Indians played better all-round soccer yesterday and also capitalised on the depleted strength of the Africans who missed eight of their professional players owing to their club commitments in Europe and on their inexperience in playing in soggy ground conditions.

They should be looking to maintain the momentum and pick up full points against Malaysia, who have fielded their U-20 team with the senior team playing in Asia Cup qualifiers The forward line presented a formidable picture with Tomba Singh and Renedy Singh on either flanks running down and feeding well veteran striker IM Vijayan.