AIFF impressed with
Constantine's coaching

The All India Football Federation is likely to sign a formal contract with English coach Stephen Constantine, who guided India to a brilliant triumph in the LG Cup football tournament in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, on Saturday.

India recovered from two goals down to beat the Vietnam national team 3-2 in the final of the tournament.

"We are interested in signing him once his current three- month term expires," AIFF president Priyaranjan Dasmunshi told reporters in Delhi, while congratulating captain Baichung Bhutia, the team and the coach on the win.

Constantine was provided to AIFF by its new marketing partner Strata on a trial basis, to prepare the team for the Asian Games.

"Winning the cup was a superb achievement considering that India played with ten debutants," Dasmunshi said.

Asked whether the AIFF plans to give any cash awards to the winning team, Dasmunshi said the $16,000 prize-money will be shared among the players.

The Federation also announced that the India under-17 team, which qualifed for the AFC Championship finals in UAE next month, will go on an exposure tour to Germany.

"The team, guided by chief coach Islam Akhmedov, will leave for Dusseldorf this Friday to play four friendly matches including one against a local club side with players from the second division Bundesliga," under-17 project director B Diengdoh said.

Prasanta Banerjee and Hering Shangpliang are the two assistant coaches of the team.

LG Cup - The Complete Coverage

Earlier reports:
India win LG Cup football
India hoping to extend winning run
India storm into LG Cup football final
India looking to take Petrokimia in stride
India romp into semis of LG Cup
India will go all out for a win
India's prospects brighten after Vietnam lose
India under-23 held by Singapore in LG Cup