Constantine-led team get praises from ex-footballers

India maintained their unbeaten 10-match run after registering a 1-1 draw against St.Kitts and Nevis in their previous fixture to lift the Tri-Nation cup. "The 2011 Asian Cup was a huge learning experience for us. This present team is on a roll and are very close to repeating the feat. Make it count, Constantine has brought in a fighting spirit into the team and that provides our boys a cutting edge over their opponents," former India right back Deepak Mondal said.

Ex-India centre back Mahesh Gawli, who made 20 appearances for East Bengal in 2003-04 said: "As former footballers, we look for an upward graph of our national team. I'm really happy that they are doing well. I wish all the best for their forthcoming match against Macau."

Mondal and Gawli praised the current defensive line-up consisting of players like captain Sadesh Jhingan, Arnab Mondal, Pritam Kotal, Narayan Das, Anas Edathodika, Jerry Lalrinzuala and Lalruatthara. "I learnt they didn't concede a goal for 300-odd minutes. That's stupendous in international football. It shows that the defenders, goalkeeper are perfectly synchronised and they've to maintain this until the job is finished," Mondal said.