Afghanistan Coach Downplays Favorites Tag Ahead of Diamond Jubilee Tournament

Afghanistan national team head coach José Antonio Noguera has downplayed suggestions that his side are among the favourites to win the Diamond Jubilee Tournament, insisting that reaching the final itself will be a difficult challenge.

Speaking ahead of the tournament in Maldives, Noguera said it is hard to identify clear favourites, pointing to the strength of the competing teams, including hosts Maldives, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

“Difficult to say that we are favourites of the tournament. Pakistan, Bangladesh, I’m not sure how Bangladesh are at the moment. To be in the final will be difficult for us,” – Noguera –

Despite refusing to place Afghanistan among the leading contenders, the Spanish coach emphasized that his team has arrived with ambition and a strong desire to compete for the title.

“We are trying to be what you ask me. Sometimes we need to put responsibility on ourselves, but you need to have the responsibility as a guest, coming with an illusion, coming with a dream to get the championship for all,” he added.

Noguera also highlighted the importance of the Diamond Jubilee Tournament as part of Afghanistan’s preparations for future competitions, describing the matches as valuable opportunities for his players.

“For us, we know what we are doing. These games are very good for us to prepare,” he said.

Afghanistan are one of four teams participating in the Diamond Jubilee Tournament alongside Maldives, Pakistan and Bangladesh. The competition marks a special celebration of Maldivian football and is expected to provide fans with a series of highly competitive international matches.