Dhaka, Jan 09: Indian team's coach Stephen Constantine admitted that the absence of four key players would have some bearing on his team's performance in the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) championship starting here on Friday. "Any team that misses four frontline players is an understrength team. But it will provide an opportunity for the younger members to prove themselves," said Constantine.

The Indian team which arrived here Tuesday minus star striker Baichung Bhutia, Deepak Mondal, Mahesh Gowli and Tomba Singh, will take on arch-rivals Pakistan in the first match on Friday.
The four players were not included in the team due to injuries.
"I do not consider us favourites for the title. This is a new look team and we have come here like the other teams to win every match," the Indian coach said.
"This team has not played together in any international match for the last 22 months." Bureau Report