SAFF Cup: Depleted India face Sri Lanka in opener

The Maldives’ Imaaz Ahmed (left) scores against Bhutan in their SAFF Cup Group B match in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday. The Maldives won 3-1. — PEETHAMBARAN PAYYERI

The India squad continues to thin down with fresh injuries as head coach Stephen Constantine contemplates handing debuts to a bunch of youngsters in their first match against Group A leaders Sri Lanka in the SAFF Cup here on Friday.

Constantine famously started four debutants, including Sandesh Jhingan and Eugeneson Lyngdoh in his first game incharge, a 2-0 win in the World Cup pre-qualifier against Nepal in March and could do the same on Christmas Day.

Delhi centre back Anas Edathodika on his maiden call-up, pulled a hamstring in training midweek and central midfielders Harmanjot Khabra and Sehnaj Singh are likely to miss out with exertion from the Indian Super League. “We also have to be careful with a few others,” said Constantine in his injury update. India had earlier missed Sandesh Jhingan, Cavin Lobo and Seityasen Singh due to injuries while Mandar Desai and Romeo Fernandes had failed to report.

But Constantine has confidence in uncapped players. The coach is aware of Sri Lanka’s strength and feels it will not be easy. “I am sure they’re going to play a defensive formation and they’ll try and hit us on counters.”

The Lankans had pulled a surprise 1-0 win over Nepal on Wednesday to top the three-team group. Head coach Sampath Perera said that they will make “some changes to their lineup against India”.

Afghanistan begin title defence in style Afghanistan began their title defence in style with a 4-0 hammering of Bangladesh in a Group B match on Thursday.

Second half substitute Khaibar Amani added to first half strikes from Masih Saighani, Faysal Shayesteh and Zubayr Amiri as the holders zoomed to the top of their group.

The teams maintained a high line and the champions had an early scare when an attempted clearance from goalkeeper Ovays Azizi ricocheted off Shakawat Rony’s shin and flew.

Afghanistan found their rhythm soon after. Minutes later, Saighani towered over to head in from point blank after a long corner was played in.

Shayesteh had an elegant finish the next minute.

The green brigade were caught napping when he moved into space as Amiri squared.

Earlier, inspired by iconic striker Ali Ashfaq, former champions the Maldives drubbed Bhutan 3-1 in a match full of missed chances.