New Delhi: Assured of final berths, it will be an opportunity for both India and Cameroon to test their respective bench strengths when they face off in an inconsequential Nehru Cup match here on Friday, two days ahead of the summit showdown.
Both teams sealed their places in the title clash of the five-nation invitational tournament, having recorded two wins and a draw from their engagements. The teams have collected seven points each.
Inconsequential it surely is from the tournament’s point of view, but the two sides must be wary of not losing the momentum.
While India’s momentum were halted after they played out a goalless draw with Nepal on a slushy turf on Tuesday, Cameroon made light work of Maldives, beating them 3-1 last night, which ensured qualification to the final for the Africans as well as the Indians, putting to rest the islanders’ hopes.
On a ground that has been affected by heavy downpour over the past week or so, it remains to be seen whether Wim Koevermans and Emmanuel Bosso field their usual playing XIs at the Jawaharlal stadium.
India made two changes to their starting line-up in the match against Neplal, bringing in Denzil Francio and Anthony Pereira for an injured Nirmal Chhetri and Sanju Pradhan.
While there was nothing wrong with the combination, a change in tactics may help the hosts. With fans calling for the introduction of the promising Alwyn George, Koevermans would do well to ponder over it.
The Dutchman does not believe in the philosophy of playing two men upfront and, on quite a few occasions in his brief stay here, ruled that out.
That means Frances Fernandes would continue to play in the hole behind lone striker Sunil Chhetri, who is also shouldering the responsibility of leading the team. (PTI)
