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Key Points

India's national football team is gearing up for a crucial period in their AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualification journey. Head Coach Manolo Marquez has selected a 28-member probables squad for a 10-day training camp in Kolkata starting May 18. The team will first play a FIFA International Friendly against Thailand in Bangkok on June 4, followed by their key qualifier against Hong Kong on June 10. With experienced players like Sunil Chhetri leading the charge, India aims to make a strong statement in the tournament.

Key Points: Marquez Names India's 28-Player Squad for Asian Cup Qualifiers

  • India to train in Kolkata ahead of Hong Kong match
  • Squad includes experienced players like Sunil Chhetri
  • Preparing for FIFA International window in June
  • Training camp precedes critical Asian Cup qualifier
2 min read

Marquez names 28-member probables India squad for Kolkata camp

India's football team prepares for crucial AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers with training camp in Kolkata and international friendlies

"Our preparation for the Asian Cup qualifiers begins now - Manolo Marquez"

New Delhi, May 7

India's senior men's football team head coach Manolo Marquez has announced the 28-member probables squad that will assemble in Kolkata on May 18 to train for the FIFA International window in June.

India are on the preparation path for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Final Round qualifiers, where they are placed in Group C, along with Bangladesh, Hong Kong China, and Singapore, with the qualifiers being played in a home-and-away round robin format.

The Indian team's next big challenge is against Hong Kong, who they will play away on June 10 at the Kai Tak Sports Park in Kowloon City.

The first two matches in Group C, between India and Bangladesh in Shillong and between Singapore and Hong Kong in Singapore, ended in stalemates, leaving all four teams with a point apiece.

As part of their preparations for the Asian Cup qualifier against Hong Kong, India will have a 10-day training camp in Kolkata, before they fly off to Bangkok to play a FIFA International Friendly against Thailand on June 4. The team will subsequently travel to Hong Kong for their Asian Cup qualifier.

India and Thailand have faced each other 26 times. While India have won seven of these matches, Thailand have tasted victory on 12 occasions. The remaining seven matches have ended in draws.

India won the last two meetings (both in 2019) — a 4-1 rout at the AFC Asian Cup in Abu Dhabi before a 1-0 victory in Buriram handed them the bronze medal at the King's Cup.

Squad-

Goalkeepers: Hrithik Tiwari, 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, Subhasish Bose, Mehtab Singh, Tekcham Abhishek Singh, Nikhil Prabhu.

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

Forwards: Sunil Chhetri, Irfan Yadwad, Manvir Singh, Suhail Ahmad Bhat, Lallianzuala Chhangte.

Head Coach: Manolo Marquez.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

Here are 6 authentic Indian perspective comments for the football article:
R
Rahul K.
Good squad selection! Happy to see young talents like Mahesh Singh getting chances. But we need to improve our finishing - too many draws against lower-ranked teams won't help our FIFA rankings. All the best for Hong Kong match! 🇮🇳⚽
P
Priya M.
Why no Jeakson Singh in midfield? He's been consistent for Kerala Blasters. Hope Marquez knows what he's doing. The Thailand friendly will be crucial preparation before Hong Kong match. #IndianFootball
A
Ankit S.
Chhetri is still our main man at 39! When will we find his replacement? The forward line looks thin without him. Hope the youngsters step up. The Bangladesh draw was disappointing - we should be winning these home games.
S
Sneha R.
Excited for the Thailand friendly! Their team has improved a lot recently. Good test before Hong Kong match. Hope Kolkata fans turn up in big numbers for the camp sessions. Let's support our boys! 💙
V
Vikram J.
Our defense looks solid with Jhingan and Anwar Ali. But midfield creativity is still a concern. Brandon Fernandes needs to step up - he's our most creative player but inconsistent. 3 points against Hong Kong is must!
M
Meena P.
The Thailand match record shows we can compete! Remember that 4-1 win in 2019 Asian Cup? Hope Marquez brings that Spanish tactical magic. Just worried about our fitness levels in humid Hong Kong conditions. Proper preparation needed!

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