The intensity until 120th minute was same, credit goes to team, says Mahesh Gawli

Mahesh Gawli also spoke about Anwar Ali's talent.

India staged an emphatic win against Lebanon at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru and have booked a meeting with Kuwait in the final of the 2023 SAFF Championship. It is India’s ninth consecutive final and they will be keen to defend their crown come tuesday.

It’s a second final in a row for the Blue Tigers. India pulled off an inspiring win in penalties that will surely go down as one of the toughest matches in the recent history of the nation. After the game, India’s assistant coach Mahesh Gawli addressed the media and shared his thoughts.

Thoughts on the game

The assistant coach began by sharing his thoughts on the match. He said that his side were a bit sloppy initially but gained confidence as the game progressed.

“I think the first 15 minutes we were a bit sloppy and after that we dominated. The intensity until 120 minutes was the same and the credit goes to the boys. If we would have converted our chances, the score would have been 3-0 or 4-0."

He further mentioned, “The whole team played very well. We had many chances but we missed those chances. I think if we had utilised those chances we could’ve scored some goals.”

Thoughts on Anwar Ali

Mahesh Gawli is considered to be one of the best defenders that the nation has ever produced. When asked about his thoughts on Anwar Ali, the assistant coach said that Ali has the potential to become one of the best defenders in the future.

“Anwar Ali is a brilliant talent and is a future star of the national team. He is very intelligent, very good with both his feet and his confidence level is very high. I think he will be a top class defender in the future,” he replied.

Thoughts on Lebanon

India have faced Lebanon thrice in less than a month. Sharing his thoughts on Lebanon, Mahesh Gawli said that today they read India’s plan very well and tried to capitalise in the first 15 minutes, but the boys did not let that happen.

“I think they read us very well. In the first 15 minutes, they were very fast and quick. They had a good plan but our boys controlled the game and slowly they gained confidence,” he said.

Igor Stimac’s suspension 

India’s head coach Igor Stimac has been handed a two-match ban for his red card against Kuwait and will not be available on the sidelines in the final. Speaking on the same, Mahesh said that it was unfair to the coach and the boys are motivated to do well for him and the nation.

“It is unfair to the coach. He shouldn't have been banned for two matches. I don’t understand the logic. If you hit someone then it is understandable but this is a totally different case. And obviously the boys are playing for the coach and the country,” he concluded.