‘ Philippines will test our attack’
India’s Under- 16 girls team lock horns with the Philippines in their opening match of the AFC U- 16 qualifiers at the Shangdong Taishan Stadium in Wei Fang, China, on Sunday.
“We know that Philippines are a good team and we have utmost respect for our opponents,” quipped head coach Maymol Rocky after a practice session on Friday.
“They possess the firepower that can hurt us on the pitch, if we lose focus and concentration.”
The coach backed the idea of focusing on their own game without worrying too much about the opponents though.
“In this age group level, it is imperative to play with a composed mind, rather than going all out at the opponent”, Maymol added.
The current India Under- 16 squad has six forwards but according to Maymol, the Philippines’s defence will be a litmus test for his attackers.
“The Philippines are always compact at the back and that is something our attackers have to get through.
“It will be hard, but at the same time the goal remains to defeat Meanwhile, defender Santi them.” Murmu will lead the side in
Although the temperature in hopes of starting the girls’ qualifying Wei Fang tends to rise during the campaign on a winning day, Maymol believes that, It will note. not affect them to a large extent. “We have to give our best. It
“The girls are already wellversed isn’t a matter of if we can or cannot. in playing in high temperatures,” he said. We have to go out there and perform to the best of our abilities,” pointed Murmu.
Vice- captain Grace Lalrampari agreed with her captain, saying “Starting the qualifying campaign on a winning note will also give us confidence for the rest of the matches. We are ready and raring to go.”
India girls are slated to play Philippines, Malaysia, South Korea and Northern Mariana Islands in AFC qualifiers