SAFF Championship: The Victory Over Bhutan Is Dedicated To The Victims Of The Kabul Blasts – Afghanistan Coach Yousef Kargar

With less than 24 hours since the twin blasts that rocked Afghanistan on the most important day of the Shia calendar, the Ashura.

The Lions of Khorasan “played in pain” and thrashed Bhutan 8-1 to book berth in the semi-finals of the SAFF Championship.

“Yesterday there was a bomb blast in our capital city where there were 50 victims among whom were three (four, according to the player) family members of our player (Mustafa Madar). Two former national team players and one of our U-17 player got injured in the blasts.

“We dedicate this victory to those victims who died in Kabul. It is a painful day for us. Since morning, we are very sad,” said coach Yousef Kargar.

The Afghan coach, switching to football matters, stated that his side is ready for any opposition and they shall raise their game a few notches higher in the semis.

“Maldives or Nepal doesn’t really matter for us. Whoever comes we will do our best, Inshallah (My God’s grace).

“The way the match went was expected. Whatever I wished from my players, today I got that.

“Against Bhutan, I had asked my players to play a little easy as Bhutan are a little weak opposition. In the semi-finals, we will be more serious. Let’s see what happens and hope for the best.”