India can perform commendably in AFC Under-23 qualifiers: Coach

Indian Under-23 men's football team coach Savio Medeira, on Thursday spoke of his belief that his squad is capable of producing commendable results against higher ranked teams.

India are scheduled to take on Uzbekistan in their opening match of the Asian Football Confederation's (AFC) Under-23 qualifiers here on Friday.

"We are happy to be here. Uzbekistan and Syria and Bangladesh are all ranked higher than us. But I have full confidence in my boys. If we do our job correctly, on any given day, anything can happen," Medeira stated at the official pre-match press conference.

Although they will be up against physically superior opponents in the qualifiers the coach believes the team which commits lesser errors will win the contests.

"It's not that the Uzbeks and Syrians are just much more physical, they are also very technical-equipped sides; on the field, it's all about decision making, both on and off the ball. At the end the team which makes the lesser mistakes will have the last laugh," he said.

The Indians have undergone a preparatory camp in Goa for the qualifiers. Goalkeeper Amrinder Singh, declared India's captain for the duration, said it would be an "experience" for the Indian players.

"We are taking one match at a time. We need to concentrate on our job and we will give our best on the field," he said.

"Presently we are all focused on Uzbekistan and would be plotting for Syria and Bangladesh as and when we play them," said Amrinder.

Uzbekistan are ranked 72, Syria 152, Bangladesh 162 and India 173 in the latest FIFA rankings.

India's preparations have been weakened by untimely injuries to defenders Pawan Kumar and Sandesh Jhingan.

"Jhingan is most unlikely to recover in time for the first match" Medeira said.