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After a fairly long hiatus the South Asian Federation Football Cup (SAFFC) finally kicks off in Dhaka, Bangladesh on 10 January much to the relief as well delight of football buffs across South Asia.

The competition has assumed added significance for the simple reason Afghanistan makes its debut despite having just released itself from the shackles of war. Their determination to bounce back to international sports is exemplary and highly laudable.

Also Bhutan's participation for the first time makes the SAFFC an intriguing eight team affair We are aware that the marketing division of Asian Football Confederation took over the tournament (sponsorship part) with objectives to improve football standard, uplift and promote local players. A championship of this magnitude with a handsome cash prize for the winners and unprecedented media coverage (electronic and print) including live telecast of matches was a new experiment that did not happen before in the region. The concept of the championship is noble in itself and a necessity for the region where football standard was and is at its lowest ebb. The four editions held in Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and India generated tremendous excitement and provided footballers a fresh lease of life. Football goers expected much more to happen in future editions and were confident that the competition would lend football the much needed enhancements. However, the deferment of the latest edition last year had sports enthusiasts doubt over its future. Now that the show is finally happening hopefully AFC does something to ensure continuity of the championship, a must for the region.

Since the championship was conceived in 1993 , India has been the most dominant, winning in 1993, 1997 and 1999. Sri Lanka is the only other team to have emerged victorious in 1995 at the cost of India. The Indians, definitely will be looking forward to complete the hat-trick. Maldives and Bangladesh were losing finalists in 1997 and 1999 respectively.

Of the eight teams vying for the title defending champions India once again is the side to beat. Their success at the Vietnam tournament and decent showing at the Asian Games last year makes them the firm favorites. With ace striker Baichung Bhutia back on the line up and Englishman Stephen Constantine in charge of the coaching department the Indian national squad looks formidable. Obviously, they will be under some pressure to defend their title, however, a repeat of last year's performance can ensure them the title.

Host Bangladesh looking for their maiden success stands a good chance to upset the Indians should they meet in the final. In the 1999 final played in India they gave the opposition a run for their money before going down tamely. Technically, tactically and physically they are at par with India and also play a similar brand of football, but have not quite lived up to their expectations in regional competitions be it SAFFC or South Asian Federation Games( SAFG). Their only success has been in the SAFG to date. Complacency, failure to deliver the goods when most needed, poor finish and lack of killer instinct have proved to be their Achilles heel all these years. If they are able to cash in on home advantages and give their best, perhaps 2003 can become a red letter year for Bangladesh football.

A good performance from Sri Lanka, winners in 1995 is what I am looking forward to. Their showing has been indifferent in recent years, however, the competition renders them the opportunity to resurrect themselves and prove the critics wrong. They are a tough outfit capable of dishing out effective football and should qualify to the semifinals from their group.

Pakistan football has been on the down side since their SAFG glory. Not much is expected from them and whether they are still a ragtag or a vastly improved outfit is yet to be seen.

Maldives the surprised finalist in 1997 are expected to come under the microscope. Their aggressive and fluent brand of football which caused so much consternation and problem to fancied teams in the past will be closely watched. The islanders are a dangerous floater, capable of performing big time football.

Having literally heard or seen nothing of Afghani football for years to dissect them either partially or fully would be tantamount to exaggeration. One thing is clear they have the physical attributes to pose threat to any kind of opposition.

Carrying the tag of underdogs Bhutan makes its debut in the championship. Since they have nothing to lose they are expected to go all out for upset wins. That is a tall order but not impossible in football.

Under the Korean coach Nepal goes into the championship in search of the missing piece that has eluded us for years. Hard to believe that we still have not been able to inscribe our name on SAFFC so far.Going by the team's make up and more importantly build up our chances don't look rosy. The defense at the hands of average height players is one area we look most vulnerable. We have less worries upfront, however, Hari, Ramesh, Niranjan, and Basanta have to show more dynamism, pace, physical thrust and cannot afford to let go any scoring chances begging. Also the midfield spearheaded by veteran Bal Gopal and company have a daunting task and have to assist both the offense and defense around the clock.

The selection committee has adopted a defensive approach by heavily relying on experience. More than half the players are well past their prime who have been tried and tested time and time over a decade. Hopefully the young blood rise to the occasion and help seniors finish the job in style. What we need is a good start to gather the momentum which is going to be tough specially with our opener against Bangladesh. Our clash against the vastly improved Maldives and Bhutan are equally crucial for our success. I would be very surprised if we reach the last four which is a possibility. But my semifinals line up are: Bangladesh Vs Sri Lanka, India Vs Maldives. Also finals: India Vs Bangladesh.The winner: India.

Sushil Thapa, a sports writer, currently resides in the U.S.