Title favourites India begin their SAFF Championship campaign against a plucky Bangladesh on Monday, knowing fully well that they are just “a little bit superior” than their opponents despite the domination in this regional tournament.

India have won the tournament seven times out of the 12 editions but by captain Sunil Chhetri’s own admission, every match will be like a “war to fight”.

Bangladesh have been tough customers for India who had needed a late equaliser in the first leg of the 2022 World Cup qualifiers match in Calcutta in October 2019 to draw 1-1. The Blue Tigers had though won the second leg 2-0.

“Bangladesh are a very difficult side. In the two matches we played against Bangladesh in the last few months, it has been very tough,” Chhetri had said on Saturday.

“All the matches (of the tournament) will be tough. Despite a little bit of superiority we many have, every game will be like a war to fight. We have to fight to the last minute. We cannot play 90 per cent.”

The five-team tournament began on Friday with Nepal and Bangladesh beating Maldives and Sri Lanka by identical 1-0 margins respectively.

Head coach Igor Stimac is taking the SAFF Championships, as the last opportunity for the players to play international matches before the start of the third round of 2023 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers in February next year.

He has not minced words in declaring that India are the favourites to win the tournament, saying “we will justify ourselves”.

“The first game is always the most difficult game. We respect Bangladesh. We respect each and every team playing out here, and they have an equal chance to win the tournament,” the coach said.

Chhetri said the message from the coaching staff and head coach is very clear that the players have to minimise mistakes. Chhetri, a veteran of 16 years in international football, said he doesn’t want to lose any game for the country.

“I’ve played over 100 games for India. I want to make the most of all the games I have left.”

Kick-off: 4.30pm