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Key Points

India's national football team is gearing up for a critical AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Hong Kong. Head coach Manolo Marquez has streamlined the squad to 25 players after a challenging friendly match in Thailand. The team hopes to bounce back from their recent 2-0 defeat and improve their standing in the qualification group. With all teams currently tied on points, this match represents a pivotal moment in India's tournament campaign.

Key Points: Marquez Trims India Squad for Crucial Hong Kong AFC Qualifier

  • 25-player squad selected after FIFA friendly loss
  • Key players released from original 28-member team
  • Crucial match against Hong Kong following Bangladesh draw
2 min read

India name squad for AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Hong Kong

India's national team prepares for high-stakes AFC Asian Cup qualifier with 25-player squad after Thailand friendly defeat

"We remain focused and determined - Manolo Marquez (implied)"

New Delhi, June 5

Indian men's national team head coach Manolo Marquez has trimmed his squad to 25 players for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Hong Kong on June 10.

Initially, the Indian team travelled to Thailand with a 28-member squad for a FIFA international friendly, which ended in a 2-0 defeat on Wednesday.

Goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari, along with defenders Mehtab Singh and Subhasish Bose, have been released from the squad and will return to India directly from Thailand. The remaining 25 players have now moved to Bangkok to continue preparations for the crucial clash against Hong Kong.

India opened their qualifying campaign with a goalless draw against Bangladesh in March. Following the recent loss to Thailand, the pressure is mounting ahead of the vital away fixture. All four teams in India's group are currently tied with one point each after the first round of matches.

In a thrilling match on Wednesday, India showed flashes of brilliance and grit, only to be undone by moments of precision from their opponents. Goals from Benjamin Davis (8') in the first half and Poramet Arjvilai (59') in the second were enough to seal the win for Thailand, while India, though spirited and creative at times, were left ruing missed opportunities and costly defensive lapses.

India's 25-member squad for Hong Kong game:

Goalkeepers: Vishal Kaith, Gurmeet Singh Chahal, Amrinder Singh.

Defenders: Naorem Roshan Singh, Rahul Bheke, Konsham Chinglensana Singh, Anwar Ali, Thangjam Boris Singh, Sandesh Jhingan, Asish Rai, Tekcham Abhishek Singh.

Midfielders: Suresh Singh Wangjam, Naorem Mahesh Singh, Ayush Dev Chhetri, Udanta Singh Kumam, Lalengmawia Ralte, Liston Colaco, Ashique Kuruniyan, Brandon Fernandes, Nikhil Prabhu.

Forwards: Sunil Chhetri, Edmund Lalrindika, Manvir Singh, Suhail Ahmad Bhat, Lallianzuala Chhangte.

Head coach: Manolo Marquez

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Tough loss against Thailand but we showed some good moments! Hope the boys bounce back stronger against Hong Kong. Sunil Chhetri needs to lead from the front now more than ever 🇮🇳 #BlueTigers
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Priya M.
Why is our defense always so shaky? We concede silly goals in crucial matches. Coach Marquez needs to work on set-piece defending before the Hong Kong game. Otherwise, another disappointing result coming...
A
Arjun S.
Good to see young talents like Mahesh Singh and Lallianzuala Chhangte in the squad! Our future looks bright if we nurture them properly. Hope ISL clubs give more chances to Indian players instead of foreign recruits.
S
Sneha R.
The draw against Bangladesh was disappointing but Hong Kong is beatable! We need to play with more urgency and convert our chances. Jhingan and Chhetri - our experienced players must step up now 💪
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Vikram P.
Why no Jeakson Singh in midfield? He's been consistent for Kerala Blasters. Coach's selection decisions are questionable sometimes. Hope this doesn't cost us in the qualifiers.
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Neha T.
The Thailand match showed we lack finishing touch. So many wasted opportunities! 😫 Our forwards need to be more clinical. At least the squad has good mix of youth and experience. All the best boys!

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