India shouldn't get carried away after win against Nepal, says women's football coach

Siliguri [West Bengal], Jan.4 (ANI): Indian women's football team head coach Sajid Dar has called on his side not to get carried away after their dominant display against strong contenders Nepal in the semi-final and rather look forward to put their best performance in the summit showdown of the SAFF Championship. Ahead of the match, Sajid spoke about not getting complacent, potential of his team as well as strengths of Bangladesh. Earlier, a clinical performance from India saw them beat Nepal 3-1 at the Kanchenjunga Stadium here on Monday and book their place in the final clash against Bangladesh. "It's all in our hands. If we feel best to get complacent and get carried away by the performance in the semi-final we are bound to suffer. But the girls are matured enough to understand the importance of the final and we cannot take it lightly," he said. While reflecting on India's final clash against Bangladesh, the head coach hoped that his side play with the same intensity as they displayed in their crushing win over Nepal in the last four contest. "After playing at such a high intensity against Nepal in the semi-final, how do you plan to sustain the momentum in the final? We will play the same manner we have played all our games. It's all about ability and we need to keep it simple and do it right. We need to back each other on the field while doing our job. It's time to get back to the basics," he said. Describing the Indian side as a perfect blend of youth and experience, Sajid insisted that his team are capable of competing with traditionally stronger teams before adding that best is yet to come from them. "I am aware of the potential of this squad. This Team is a perfect balance of youth and experience. Each one of the Players has earned their place in the squad and there is stiff competition not only for the first XI but also for the slots. I believe our best is yet to come and this Team can compete with traditionally stronger Teams," Sajin stressed. Insisting that they are not going to take Bangladesh lightly, Sajid admitted that the oppositions have the right balance of defence and attack and that each individual in the squad needs to put up good performance to crack them. "They are a very unit to crack with some very good individual quality players. And if you feel they are just a defensive team, just look back the manner they demolished Maldives 6-0 in the semi-final. They have the right balance of defence and attack. We rate them very highly," Sajid explained. (ANI)