Indian team gear up for friendlies ahead of crucial match against Macau
The Indian side is familiar with the conditions, having won its last game against Nepal in Mumbai and also the fact that the players train at the Mumbai Football Arena where the matches are to be played.
The Indian football team are set to take on lower ranked Mauritius in the tri-nation series opener in Mumbai on Saturday. The series was set up a practice match for the national team ahead of the AFC Asian Cup Qualifier game.
1 day to go for our clash against Mauritius and the squad looks ready to show their worth.#BackTheBlue #AsianDream pic.twitter.com/b5NUWM8D7b
— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) August 18, 2017
The two nation involved in the series are ranked lower than in India, who is 97 in World ranking whereas Mauritius is ranked 160th and St. Kitts and Nevis, the third team in the tournament is ranked 125th.
AFC Cup is a huge tournament for India and playing a much stronger team would have helped India prepare in a much better way for the match against Macau on September 5, however, the team can still gain some ranking points by winning the tournament.
India is on top of the AFC Asian Cup qualifying Group A at the moment, courtesy back-to-back victories over Myanmar and the Kyrgyz Republic.
But India should not undermine the Macau side as it will be a different challenge and coach would assess the strengths and weaknesses of his in these games.
The boss @StephenConstan looks on as the boys sweat it out.#BackTheBlue #AsianDream pic.twitter.com/E2GqjXEQk3
— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) August 18, 2017
“The two matches would immensely benefit our quest to maintain an all-win record in the Asian Cup Qualifiers,” Constantine had said.
Seasoned mid-fielder Eugeneson Lyngdon, young guns Halicharan Nazari, Jerry Lalrinzuala, Udanta Singh need to be consistent and deliver for the team.
The Indian side is familiar with the conditions, having won its last game against Nepal in Mumbai and also the fact that the players train at the Mumbai Football Arena where the matches are to be played.