The Indian national team will kick-off its AFC Challenge Cup 2012 campaign against Tajikistan on Friday.

Savio Medeira’s team is confident ahead of the clash against the AFC Challenge Cup 2008 finalist, whom India beat 4-1 on home soil. The Indian coach feels his wards are well prepared to face the Central Asian side.

“The team is raring to go against Tajikistan. All the boys are charged up for the match. I am confident they will come out with their best for the clash and we will be able to secure all the points,” Savio told.

“We will fight till the last second of the match. We would not give any chance to our rivals,” Savio added.

Savio is likely to start with Karanjit Singh in goal, while Sameer Naik, Gouramangi Moirangthem Singh, Raju Eknath Gaikwad and Syed Rahim Nabi will be the four men with the task to keep the Tajikistan forwards away from the Indian box.

Anthony Pereira, Adil Ahmed Khan, Rocus Lamare and Francis Fernandes will be in charge of the Indian midfield, with Sushil Kumar Singh and Sunil Chhetri up-front.

Captain Sunil Chhetri is is looking forward to deliver on the pitch and he thinks the Indian team is ready to work hard for the title.

“We have come over here with only one objective and that is to win at any cost. We won’t leave any stone unturned to achieve our goal. All the players including me would try to repeat our performance of the SAFF Championship,” Sunil said.

Tajikistan is placed 14 places ahead of the Indian team in the latest FIFA World Rankings. India and Tajikistan have played two international matches in their history, with India winning one match and drawing the other.

The India vs Tajikistan will kick-off at 17.00 local time (16.45 IST | 12.15 CET | 11.15 GMT) and it will be broadcasted in India on Kolkata TV. Further coverage will be also available on my Facebook page www.facebook.com/cpd81.

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Further event details are available at
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