AIFF Media Team

NEW DELHI: After an unfortunate start, the India U-18 team bounced back with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over hosts Bhutan in their previous SAFF U-18 Championship encounter. India would now surely look to keep the momentum going as they gear up to face Maldives tomorrow (September 25) at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu, Bhutan.

India U-18 suffered a 4-3 defeat at the hands of Bangladesh in the SAFF U-18 Championship opener, but they bounced back in >

“The boys showed their mettle and outclassed an inform Bhutan. The boys need to play with the same intensity and quality in possession”, declared Head Coach Floyd Pinto.

 “Teamwork and discipline off the ball will be key to keeping Maldives at bay.”

With the round robin format in place at the tournament, another slip up can be costly but India need to win their games to keep themselves within a chance of winning the Championship.

“Only a win will do to keep the pressure on other teams and keep our hope of winning SAFF U-18 Championship alive. It's Maldives last match in the tournament so they will want to go out all guns blazing but we are prepared to face them”, added Pinto.

The team will head to the AFC U-19 Qualifiers after this tournament which begins on November 4 in Saudi Arabia.