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Key Points

The AIFF has appointed Khalid Jamil as the new head coach of India's men's football team. He is the first Indian to hold this position since Savio Medeira in 2012. Jamil replaces Manolo Marquez, who struggled with just one win in over a year. His first task will be leading India in the CAFA Nations Cup later this month.

Key Points: AIFF Names Khalid Jamil as India Men's Football Head Coach

  • AIFF appoints Khalid Jamil from three-man shortlist
  • First Indian head coach since Savio Medeira in 2012
  • Replaces Manolo Marquez after poor run
  • Faces CAFA Nations Cup as first challenge
2 min read

AIFF appoint Khalid Jamil as head coach of men's national team

Khalid Jamil becomes first Indian head coach since 2012, replacing Manolo Marquez. His first challenge is the CAFA Nations Cup in August.

AIFF appoint Khalid Jamil as head coach of men's national team
"He becomes the first Indian to take charge of the national team since Savio Medeira in 2012. – AIFF"

New Delhi, Aug 1

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) have confirmed the appointment of head coach Khalid Jamil as the new head coach of the Senior India Men's National Football Team.

The decision comes after the AIFF Executive Committee approved the appointment from a three-man short list submitted by the AIFF Technical Committee. The other two contenders were former India head coach Stephen Constantine and Stefan Tarkovic, who previously managed the Slovakia national team.

A former India midfielder and now an AFC Pro Licensed coach, the 48-year-old becomes the first Indian to take charge of the national team since Savio Medeira in 2012.

Jamil has worked his way through the Indian football ecosystem having made an impact on the I-League, I-League 2 and the Indian Super League. His time with Aizawl FC saw the team win their only top-flight title. He joined Jamshedpur FC midway through the 2023–24 season and led them to the Super Cup semifinals and later to a runner-up finish and an ISL semifinal spot in the next.

He follows after an underwhelming stint by FC Goa head coach Manolo Marquez, who parted ways with the national team with only one win in over a year.

Jamil’s first challenge will be a huge one as India take part in the CAFA Nations Cup, after Malaysia withdrew from the tournament, which is outside the official FIFA calendar, in preparation for the two AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers against Singapore in October.

India have been placed in Group B and will play hosts Tajikistan on August 29, defending champions Iran on September 1 and Afghanistan on September 4.

India suffered a heartbreaking 0-1 away defeat to Hong Kong in their second match of the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers Final Round, following a goalless draw against Bangladesh in the opener.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone who follows European football, I'm a bit disappointed they didn't go for Stefan Tarkovic. His experience with Slovakia could have been valuable. But let's give Jamil a fair chance - the CAFA Nations Cup will be his real test.
A
Ananya R
The real issue is our grassroots development. Doesn't matter who coaches if we don't have quality players coming through. AIFF should focus more on youth academies instead of just changing coaches every few years.
V
Vikram M
Jamil has worked wonders with limited resources before. Remember how he took Aizawl FC from relegation to champions? That's exactly what our national team needs - someone who can maximize potential. Tough matches ahead but I believe in him!
K
Karan T
Hope AIFF gives him proper support and time. We can't expect miracles overnight. The draw against Bangladesh and loss to Hong Kong shows how much work is needed. At least he understands Indian football inside out unlike foreign coaches who take time to adapt.
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Priya S
First Savio Medeira, now Khalid Jamil - good to see Indian coaches getting opportunities. But the real test will be against Iran on Sept 1. If we can put up a decent fight there, it'll be a positive sign. Fingers crossed! 🤞

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