Male' Maldives: Afghanistan national team head coach José Antonio Noguera has described Maldives as a difficult opponent ahead of the opening match of the Diamond Jubilee International Tournament, despite many considering Afghanistan among the favourites to challenge for the title.
The four-nation tournament, organized to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Maldivian football, will be held from June 1 to 10 at the National Stadium in Malé. Hosts Maldives will be joined by Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan in the FIFA Tier-1 competition.
Afghanistan's inclusion in the tournament came after Sri Lanka withdrew from the event. The competition will also mark an important milestone for Noguera, who was appointed Afghanistan head coach in February and will oversee only his third match in charge of the national team.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, Noguera expressed gratitude to the Football Association of Maldives for the invitation and highlighted the value of facing quality opposition as Afghanistan continues its rebuilding process.
While acknowledging that Afghanistan enters the tournament with ambitions of competing for the title, the Spanish coach said reaching the final would be far from straightforward given the strength of the participating teams. He noted that Bangladesh and Pakistan are both capable sides and stressed that Afghanistan's immediate focus is on improving performances and building cohesion under his leadership.
"Difficult to say (That we are favorites of the tournament). Pakistan, Bangladesh, I’m not sure how is Bangladesh at the moment. To be in the final will be difficult for us, but we are trying to be what you ask me, sometimes we need to put responsibility in us, but you need to have the responsibility as a guest, coming with an illusion, coming with a dream to get the championship for all. For us, we know what we are doing these games are very good for us to prepare," Noguera stated.
Noguera also underlined the challenge posed by Maldives, pointing to the hosts' extensive preparations and home advantage. Maldives have spent approximately a month preparing for the tournament under head coach István Urbányi, something Noguera believes could play a significant role in the opening fixture.
The Afghan coach said he expects Maldives to be a well-organized and difficult team to face, particularly with the added motivation of competing in a tournament celebrating a major milestone in the country's football history.
Afghanistan arrive in Malé with a squad that combines home-based players and members of the national team playing abroad. Noguera explained that assembling the squad remains a work in progress, but expressed confidence that his players are beginning to adapt to his ideas and approach.
Noguera is a familiar figure in South Asian football, having previously managed Pakistan during the 2018 SAFF Championship. Under his guidance, Pakistan reached the semi-finals of the regional competition for the first time in 13 years before narrowly losing to India. He recalled that period as an important rebuilding phase for Pakistani football, particularly during a time when the country faced challenges stemming from a FIFA suspension.
Drawing on that experience, Noguera emphasized that every national team in the region deserves respect and noted that both South Asian football and Central Asian football continue to become increasingly competitive.
"I know very well about SAFF and CAFA is a strong too. We are talking about International Teams, National Teams, All need to respect all. So, I come here with all respect for your National Team and we need to play. Others are coming to play." says Noguera.
The Afghan coach also paid tribute to Maldivian football legend Ali Ashfaq, describing the former captain as the greatest player in Maldives' football history and a figure he greatly respects.
Afghanistan will open their campaign against Maldives on June 1 before facing Bangladesh and Pakistan later in the tournament.
For Noguera, the Diamond Jubilee International Tournament represents an important opportunity to assess his squad, gain valuable international experience and continue laying the foundations for Afghanistan's future development on the international stage.
