Indian Football Team Prepares for Intercontinental Cup in Hyderabad
The Indian senior men’s football team is set to compete in the fourth edition of the Intercontinental Cup, which will be held in Hyderabad from September 3 to 9. This marks the first time in 16 years that the team will play in the Telangana capital. The tournament will feature matches against Mauritius and Syria at the GMC Balayogi Athletic Stadium.
New Beginnings Under Coach Manolo Marquez
After a disappointing exit from the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers in June, India is looking to rebuild under newly-appointed head coach Manolo Marquez. The team’s long-term goal is to qualify for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, which begins in March 2025. Marquez emphasized the importance of performing well in the upcoming FIFA International Match Windows to secure India’s place in Pot 1 for December’s draw.
Squad and Key Players
Marquez has named a 26-member squad, including new faces and returning players. Notable returnees include Chinglensana Singh Konsham and Yasir Mohammad, while defenders Asish Rai and Roshan Singh Naorem are back after a year-long break. Newcomers like Kiyan Nassiri Giri, Lalthathanga Khawlhring, and Prabhsukhan Singh Gill are set to make their senior debuts.
Opponents: Mauritius and Syria
Mauritius, ranked 179th in the world, will be led by French coach Guillaume Moullec. Key players include captain Kevin Jean-Louis and defender Dylan Collard. Syria, the highest-ranked team in the tournament at 93rd, recently appointed Jose Lana as their head coach. Key players for Syria include Mahmoud Al-Mawas and Pablo Sabbag.
Historical Context
India has previously won the Intercontinental Cup in 2018 and 2022. Syria and Mauritius have also competed in various tournaments in India, with Syria finishing as runners-up in the Nehru Cup in 2007 and 2009.
Coach Marquez stated, “We face two different teams and the rankings are not very important. We want to be in Pot 1. That would give us an advantage. We must play competitive games to improve.”
Doubts Revealed
Intercontinental Cup -: The Intercontinental Cup is a football tournament where teams from different continents compete against each other. It’s like a big football match between countries.
Hyderabad -: Hyderabad is a big city in India, known for its rich history and delicious food like biryani. It’s also a place where many sports events happen.
FIFA World Cup Qualifiers -: The FIFA World Cup Qualifiers are matches that teams play to try to get into the FIFA World Cup, which is a huge football tournament held every four years.
Manolo Marquez -: Manolo Marquez is the new coach of the Indian football team. A coach is like a teacher who helps the players get better at football.
Chinglensana Singh Konsham -: Chinglensana Singh Konsham is one of the important players in the Indian football team. He helps the team by playing really well.
Yasir Mohammad -: Yasir Mohammad is another key player in the Indian football team. He is known for his skills and helps the team in matches.
Mauritius -: Mauritius is a small island country in the Indian Ocean. They also have a football team that will play against India.
Guillaume Moullec -: Guillaume Moullec is the coach of the Mauritius football team. He helps the Mauritius players get ready for their matches.
Syria -: Syria is a country in the Middle East. Their football team will also compete in the Intercontinental Cup against India.
Jose Lana -: Jose Lana is the coach of the Syrian football team. He helps the Syrian players prepare for their games.
Pot 1 -: Pot 1 is a group of the best teams in a tournament. India wants to be in Pot 1 for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, which means they want to be one of the top teams.
AFC Asian Cup -: The AFC Asian Cup is a big football tournament in Asia. Teams from all over Asia compete to be the best.