India will have to play like a “team possessed” if they are to win the Nehru Cup final against strong Cameroon here tomorrow, says skipper Sunil Chhetri.
“Every team takes the field with a sole aim to win. But it’s not that easy every time. We need to play to our potential and not bother about other aspects. We need to play like a team possessed,” said Chhetri on the eve of the final.
The tournament has hosted many a quality teams since its revival in 2007, but Chhetri placed Cameroon at the top, describing them as a “class side“.
“They are a very strong side. In fact, among all the teams that I have played against in the Nehru Cup since 2007, this is the most capable side. They are a class side,” the Portugal-returned striker said.
Elaborating on his answer, he said, “I have been fortunate enough to play against Japan, Australia, South Korea donning the national jersey and I can tell you they (Cameroon) are among the strongest teams I have played against.”
Assessing the hosts’ performance against the Africans in the last round—robin league encounter, which the former lost 0—1, Chhetri said he was proud of his teammates’ display.
“I’m very proud of the manner we played. We came back strongly after conceding an early goal. They didn’t have many shots at our goal except for the penalty and the last—minute chance. Instead, we created more openings and should have scored,” Chhetri, who was rested for the match, said.
The striker said Wim Koevermans’ wards have been in constant touch with his former teammates Bhaichung Bhutia and Rennedy Singh.
“We speak almost every alternate day and it’s not just me; it’s the entire team who is in touch with him. He is very involved with the team. And it’s not Bhaichung alone but even Rennedy Singh and others. I’m sure they are following us and want us to win as much we want to win,” he said.
