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India defender Sandesh Jhingan is pumped up for the final of the SAFF Championship 2023 against Kuwait in Bengaluru on Tuesday. The Indian star defender asserted that the hosts are confident of winning the trophy for the ninth time in history. Jhingan, who missed the semifinal against Lebanon due to suspension, said he is eager to take the field and help his team achieve glory.
India have been in great form in recent months as after winning the Intercontinental Cup, it has the chance to lift its ninth SAFF Championship title. "Our focus is now on Kuwait, it is going to be a tough game. They are a very good team. They have an experienced coach. We are looking forward to it. We have done well together and the sky is the limit for this batch," Jhingan said at the pre-match press conference.
The 29-year-old praised Kuwait's technical and individual abilities and also believed "they aren't where they should be" for their current FIFA ranking (141). "They have very technical players, and individually, they are also good. About their ranking, everyone knows that they aren't where they should be. If you don't do your thing for 10 seconds, they score against you," he added.
A major reason behind India’s excellent form has been the defensive duo of Jhingan and Anwar and the understanding they have shared with each other. In the nine matches played in 2023, India secured a clean sheet in eight matches and conceded one against Kuwait. Jhingan lauded his defensive partner Anwar Ali, who was outstanding against Lebanon in the semifinal. Anwar, who suffers from a heart condition, made a remarkable comeback to the national team after two years.
"We all know about Anwar's condition. Coming out of it needs a strong mentality, and credit to his family for supporting him. He is doing very well at the moment," Jhingan said.
India have never lost a final at home since 2005, and assistant coach Mahesh Gawli hoped his side will handle the pressure well. "There is pressure because we want to win. The team is doing very well and I hope they play the same as they were doing," he said.
Gawli also urged the players to stay calm and focused, as the last match against Kuwait was very heated and ended in a 1-1 draw. India skipper Sunil Chhetri, who left the field limping against Lebanon, is fit and ready to lead the team in the final. Chhetri is the top scorer of the tournament with six goals so far.
