India may have secured their place in the SAFF Championship semifinals with back-to-back wins against Pakistan and Maldives, but coach Naushad Moosa has a lingering complaint about his team's stay in Dhaka: the food. Following India's 1-0 victory over the Maldives at the National Stadium on Wednesday, Moosa voiced his discontent regarding the meal arrangements provided by the hosts.
Coach's complaint over food
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Moosa was asked about the hospitality of the organizers. He responded, "There is no problem with hospitality. But we are having some problems with the food. As a host, you cannot say you have to eat this food. We have been given a specific food menu, which is not possible to follow all the time."The Indian coach further alleged that the players are being served the same type of food every day, despite their need for nutritious and quality meals after matches. His remarks have put the spotlight on the logistical arrangements of the tournament.
India's on-field dominance
Despite the off-field concerns, India completed their group-stage campaign in style, finishing top of Group B with two wins from as many matches. The 1-0 victory over the Maldives marked their 15th semifinal appearance in the history of the tournament. Earlier, they had also defeated Pakistan to set up a perfect group-stage record.While the team celebrated their on-field success, Moosa's comments on the food arrangements have added a new dimension to the discourse surrounding the tournament. No official response has yet been received from the organizers regarding the coach's remarks.
