Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Jun 5: Ahead of the AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Hong Kong on June 10, Indian men’s football head coach Manolo Marquez has pruned his squad to 25 players after a challenging tour in Thailand.
India initially traveled to Thailand with a 28-member roster for a FIFA international friendly, which ended in a disappointing 2-0 loss on Wednesday. Following that defeat, goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari and defenders Mehtab Singh and Subhasish Bose have been released from the squad and will return directly to India.
The remaining 25 players have now moved on to Bangkok to gear up for the crucial clash against Hong Kong, a game that could significantly influence India’s chances of advancing.
India’s qualifying campaign began with a frustrating goalless draw against Bangladesh in March. With all four teams in the group currently level on one point each after the first round, the pressure is on Marquez’s men to deliver.
In Wednesday’s match against Thailand, India showed moments of creativity and resilience but were undone by clinical finishing from their opponents. Benjamin Davis (8’) opened the scoring in the first half, and Poramet Arjvilai (59’) doubled the lead in the second. Despite flashes of promise, India’s defense faltered at key moments, and the team was left to rue missed opportunities.
Here’s India’s trimmed 25-member squad for the Hong Kong qualifier:
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.
Manolo Marquez will be hoping that the revamped squad can rise to the occasion and secure a much-needed victory against Hong Kong.