Hyderabad. Putting behind the disappointment in the World Cup qualifiers, the Indian men’s football team will try to make a strong start under the leadership of new head coach Monlo Marquez when it takes the field against Mauritius in the first match of the Intercontinental Cup here on Tuesday. The Indian men’s team has reached the Telangana capital for the first time in 16 years. The city will host Mauritius and Syria for the Intercontinental Cup from September 3 to 9. Marquez has termed this tournament as a ‘dress rehearsal’ for preparations for future big tournaments like the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers.
Marquez believes that he will be able to better assess the quality of the team after the season starts. The Spanish coach said, “The main goal of playing such matches in September, October and November is to strengthen our preparations for important events like the Asian Cup qualifiers to be played in March.” He said, “The first window of the current FIFA season is a bit difficult for us because we are still in the pre-season situation. Some clubs participated in the Durand Cup with their reserve team. We do not know properly about the physical condition of all the players. However, this will not happen in the next FIFA window because ISL will be held at that time. “
The matches of the Intercontinental Cup will be played at the GMC Balayogi Athletic Stadium here. The long-term goal of the Indian team is to qualify for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, which will begin in March next year. Marquez has stressed the importance of achieving good results in the upcoming three international matches so that the Indian team can get a place in Pot One in the draw for the AFC Asian Cup in December. However, it will not be easy for Marquez as he has got a chance to do only two practice sessions with the players before the tournament.
The Indian coach announced his 26-member squad for the tournament last month. The team included some new faces and some returning players. After the retirement of veteran Sunil Chhetri, Chinglensana Singh Konsham and Yasir Mohammad have returned to the team for the first time since last year’s tri-series win. Defenders Ashish Rai and Roshan Singh Naorem are making a comeback after a long gap of almost a year, while Kian Nasiri Giri, Lalthathanga Khawlhring and Prabhsukhan Singh Gill have been selected for the national team for the first time. Marquez said, “We will face two different teams. Ranking does not matter much in this. We want to be in Pot One. This will benefit us. The match will start at 7.30 pm.
