Bangladesh coach Lodewijk de Kruif has named India as the favourites to advance from the SAFF Championship 2013 Group A.

“India are the favourites of the group,” the Dutchman told during a press conference in Dhaka. “Nepal will enjoy the home advantage and Bangladesh and Pakistan are outsiders.”

“However it does not mean that we will not focusing upon winning the title. We are professionals and we have worked hard to attain our target,” de Kruif added.

The 43 year old coach made clear that his team would give its best at the SAFF Championship 2013. “We do our best because we have very talented players and a talented team. We want to fight for the country. We don’t want to disappoint anyone – so we will give everything we can.”

“I’m not going to talk about a final place or the semifinal or whatever. We are going to Nepal to win matches,” de Kruif signed off.

The Indian national team is face scheduled to face Bangladesh at the Dasharath Rangasala Stadium on September 5.

The SAFF Championship 2013 will kick-off on August 31, when hosts Nepal and Bangladesh clash at the same venue in the opening match.