Afghanistan are new saff champions

KATHMANDU, SEP 12 -

A goal in each half by Mustafa Azadozoy and Sanjadar Ahmadi sawAfghanistan avenging their defeat of the seventh edition as they won the SAFF Championship following their 2-0 victory against India at the Dashrath stadium on Wednesday evening.

They were awarded with

$ 50,000 along with the winner’s trophy for the feat.

With their maiden regional title, Afghanistan also ended their blues against India preventing the latter from winning third titles in a row—six in total—by registering their first ever victory from six encounters since 1951, including a draw.

“As long as Afghanistan is here, Indian domination in the South Asian region in football is over,” said elated Afghani coach Yousef Kargar.

“Our achievement has great meaning. After 30 years of destructive war, we have given an inexplicable reason for Afghani people to cherish about with our first title. Our happiness knows no bound.

“Our win is dedicated towards national unity, a common reason to celebrate for a country splintered in numerous ethnic divisions. We are grateful to Allah for such happiness.”

Surprisingly, Indian coach Win Kovermans benched skipper Sunil Chhetri and opted to go into the match with the unchanged line-up that have face Maldives in the semi-final.

Robin Singh started as the lone striker with Indian coach looking to cash in on with his physical and height superiority.

Azadozoy put Afghanistan front early in the ninth minute. Mustafa Hadid crossed for Balal Arezou and he sent Azadozoy through at the close range who slotted home with ease rounding off goalkeeper Subrata Paul.

India step up to pile pressure upon Afghanistan after lagging behind but rugged Afghani defense had all the answers to keep them at bay.

Against the run of play Afghanistan doubled their lead in the 62nd minute. Belal Arezou’s shot was blocked by Paul only to find it rolling on the path of Ahmadi who lobbed the ball over the Indian custodian.

“I am proud of how my boys played. We missed awful lot of chances. But football is all about scoring goals. I want to congratulate Afghanistan for their historic win,” said Indian Dutch coach Win Koverman.

Afghanistan , who had lost 4-0 to India in the previous edition, comprised of seven players from the last edition and were the only team guided by the home coach. They have remained undefeated since then.

Afghanistan are the top South Asian team in the FIFA rankings (139) and remain as the only team to qualify for the AFC Challenge Cup.

They have emerged as the powerhouse of the region since past two years with nine of their players trading their sweat in leagues abroad, including five in Europe.

Afghanistan are the fourth team to win the region’s biggest championship. India have won it five times—1997, 1999, 2005, 2009, 2011—while Bangladesh (2003) and Maldives (2008) won it in one occasion each.