India U-16 coach Bibiano Fernandes: Our main test will be in September

India U-16 National Team Head Coach Bibiano Fernandes mentioned the boys showed “great courage” in their 2-1 victory over Cameroon in a friendly match.

In a freewheeling chat with AIFF Media, Bibiano spoke at length about the boys ticking the right boxes, the attitude in display and the game plan against Cameroon.

Interview

This was the first occasion when our U-16 boys won against a non-Asian team — that too against Cameroon. How satisfying was it?

I was happy to see that the boys showed great courage and desire to win against physically bigger players. I am extremely happy to see the boys ticking the right boxes before the AFC U16 Championship.

What measures have you taken to keep the emotions on a check?

Sometimes even we can’t keep our emotions held, let alone the kids. That’s why it’s a big task for everyone and we have to always remind ourselves that our main test will be in September at the AFC Championship. These wins and losses are different lessons to learn and improve only. These are nothing but small steps towards our target.

Did you adapt to a different approach to contest against physically superior sides, say Cameroon?

We knew they would be physically very tough. So we focused on moving the ball quicker and confronting them head-on in the 50-50 challenges. The composure they have shown on the pitch was something very encouraging.

(AIFF Media)