Our superior fitness helped us win the final: India assistant coach Mahesh Gawli on SAFF Championship triumph

India’s assistant coach Mahesh Gawli reckons the team’s superior fitness helped them defend their SAFF Championship title as they defeated Kuwait by 5-4 on penalties in the summit clash at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru on Tuesday.

After Shabib Al Khiladi scored for Kuwait to put his team in front in the 14th minute of the final, Chhangte netted the equalizer for the home team. But both teams could not find the back of the net and India clinched their ninth SAFF Championship title by winning on penalties.

The assistant coach was delighted with the performance of the team as the players came up with their best.

“It was my first time as coach (in the last few games) and I’m very happy that we won. I will continue to work to help the country do well,” stated Gawli in the post-match press conference.

In fact, Gawli did a fantastic job for the team as he filled the big shoes of Igor Stimac, who was suspended after receiving a red card during a 4-0 win against arch-rivals Pakistan.

The 43-year-old hailed the team’s fitness and feels it was the major difference between both teams.

“This Kuwait team is good. It was a good match and both teams had their chances. We were a little bit off-color for the first ten minutes but then we took control of the match,” he said.

“It was a big final and the boys were a bit desperate after Kuwait took the lead. I told them to be calm and cool. We had superior fitness and that helped. We could see the Kuwait players struggle with their fitness. It’s a wonderful victory, it shows that we are consistent,” he concluded.

The Blue Tigers have been in fantastic form as they have been unbeaten in the last 11 matches, winning eight of their previous games. India will next take part in the AFC Asian Cup.