By Joseph Solomon,

AIFF Media Team

RAMALLAH (PALESTINE):  Dubbing the AFC U-19 Qualifiers, which are slated to kick-off from October 02, 2015 in Palestine, as “competitive where everyone will want to win”, Head Coach of the Indian U-19 National Team Lee Johnson said, “We expect a tough and challenging atmosphere in the AFC U-19 Qualifiers”

“Everyone here is participating to qualify for the next round and hence every Team we play will be tough and very challenging”, Johnson was speaking at the Official Pre-tournament press conference held in a snazzy hotel in Ramallah, Palestine.

“We have first-hand knowledge of Afghanistan as we have defeated them before. However, we have utmost respect for our opponents and will not underestimate any Team”

“At the same time, we would give it our best shot and hopefully qualify”, he added.

The Indian U-19 Colts clash swords hosts Palestine tomorrow in their first match of the AFC U-19 Qualifiers at the Faisal Al-Husseini Stadium in Al-Ram.

“The fixture against Palestine will be difficult and intimidating as they are the hosts and they will have the support of the 12^th man -- that is the fans. However we will do our best to win” Johnson later told www.the-aiff.com

Furthermore, Johnson thanked the Palestinian Football Association for their hospitality.

Meanwhile, Bader Saleh Head Coach of the United Arab Emirates, brushed down the tag of ‘UAE as favorites to qualify’ and expressed in the Official Pre-Tournament press Conference that, “Football is a game where the probability of winning is 50%. We have the utmost respect for every Team present here.”

Sitting next to Saleh, Head Coach of the Palestinian U-19 National Team Ayman Sandouka said: “This tournament will give an exposure to the Palestinian Team in our quest to evolve as a Footballing nation. We welcome all the participating Teams and wish them all the best”

In tune with Sandouka, Saeed Rajab Shah, Head Coach of Afghanistan National Team said, “The the AFC U-19 Qualifiers give us a platform where we can test ourselves against some of the best Teams in Asia. Although we expect a tough campaign, the Players are excited to be here”