AIFF Media Team

DHAKA: Even as the footballing fraternity all around look ahead to India’s semi-final clash with Pakistan in the ongoing SAFF Suzuki Cup, National Coach Stephen Constantine described it as “just another match.”

Courtesy India’s back to back victories against Sri Lanka and Maldives by an identical 2-0 margin, India booked a semi-final clash with Pakistan which will be played at the Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka on September 12 (Wednesday).

"We are aware of the contest. But that is nothing different. It’s just another match. We can't let the occasion get over us and hopefully, we will beat them to advance to the final,” Constantine commented.

The two sides last played an official match in September 2013 in Kathmandu, India emerging winners by a solitary goal on that occasion. Incidentally, Pakistan have qualified to the last-four of SAFF Suzuki Cup after 13 long years and they now clash with the 7-time champions.

Constantine lauded Nepal’s achievements and expressed they were deserving entrants to the semis.

"Nepal have played some stupendous football and they have deservingly reached the semis. Hopefully, we get a win against Pakistan and face Nepal in the final,” he maintained.

Nepal will play Maldives in the other semi-final which is scheduled on the same day (September 12, 2018) at IST 3.30pm.

Meanwhile, Manvir Singh declared Most Valuable Player for his performance against Maldives stated his first International goal was his 'most delightful moment' as a Footballer.

"Scoring for the country is always special. The first goal – it’s a different emotion. I was sniffing around but the goal was eluding me,” he quipped. "So finally, when I made it, it was the most delightful moment for me as a footballer. The win has been a result of our team game and now we're looking forward to the semi-finals."

(Picture courtesy: Lagardere Sports)