SAFF Championship: We Were Down To Ten-Man When India Scored Their First – Maldives Coach Istvan Urbanyi

Maldives made an exit from the SAFF Championship after they went down 3-1 to India in the semi-finals at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Delhi.

Istvan Urbanyi explained as to why his side were all at sea in the first half as they allowed the Indians to launch attack after attack.

“Ashfaq was in pain in the first half and the goal we conceded was a gift to India. I wouldn’t have called it a gift had India deserved to take the lead. There were only ten players on the field when the goal was scored as Ashfaq was out for 17 minutes.

“Ideally, I would have substituted the player but in case of Ashfaq, since he is the skipper and so vital to our game, that I decided to wait.”

“In the second half, I changed the system, we created many opportunities so as to go on to win the match. We controlled India in the second half.”

While the two teams were locked at 1-1, referee Timur Faizullin awarded a soft penalty to India from which Chhetri restored the lead for the Men in Blue.

“I think the ball was out and there was no danger. I do not think that was a penalty.”

Urbanyi referred to the pre-match conference and mentioned that in football, sometimes luck plays a big role.

“Their coach (Savio Medeira) mentioned in his pre-match address that the team which makes fewer mistakes shall go through. I had mentioned that you need some extra individual brilliance to change the match.

“But sometimes luck plays a big role. We played good football but in the we are disappointed not to make through. That’s football.

“I congratulate India for reaching the finals.”

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