India poised to take Maldives in massive semis clash

SAFF SUZUKI CUP

Agencies

Trivandrum

Hosts India take on Maldives in a highly anticipated semi-final clash at the Trivandrum International Stadium on December 31.The match is expected to be watched by a large number of fans inside the stadium, since both teams have had lots of fans cheering for them in their group stage matches.

India come into the fixture after having defeated both their group stage opponents comfortably. Although striker Robin Singh has been ruled out of the rest of SAFF Suzuki Cup 2015 with a knee injury, India will feel they have the firepower to cause trouble against the Maldivian defence that has looked fragile at times.

Maldives have no injury worries, following their defeat against Afghanistan in the last match. Herbert will be concerned with his defence, which he said conceded poor goals in their only defeat in the group stage. Several key players including Ali Ashfaq are expected to be restored into the starting line up, after resting them for their final group stage match.

The match, which promises to be an entertaining affair with two sets of passionate fans cheering for their nation, kicks off at 15:30 IST.

SEMI-FINAL LINE-UP

India v Maldives - 3.30pm

Afghanistan v Sri Lanka-6.30pm