Sunil Chhetri returns for India’s important AFC Asia Cup qualifier in opposition to Singapore on October 9. Sitting backside of Group C, India want a win to remain alive.
Sunil Chhetri greets his followers after the FIFA World Cup 2026 Asia qualifier in opposition to Kuwait.(HT_PRINT)
India discover themselves in a precarious place, sitting on the backside of Group C. They have managed to choose up just one level in two matches. On the opposite hand, Singapore leads the group with 4 factors. The group winners would solely be capable to progress from right here to the 2027 match in Saudi Arabia. The back-to-back fixtures in opposition to Singapore can be season-defining for Indian soccer.
Sunil Chhetri was rested through the current CAFA National Cup marketing campaign, the place India completed third. His return would carry invaluable expertise to a ahead line that has struggled for objectives. The legendary striker’s return signifies the significance of the match and the way the Indian administration is treating the upcoming double header. India have educated from September 20 at Bengaluru earlier than heading for Singapore. Notably, the return leg is scheduled for October 14 at Goa’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
Squad constructed for stress moments
Jamil has saved his messaging simple within the build-up, “There are nonetheless 4 matches to go, and the following one in opposition to Singapore is an important for us proper now,” he emphasised. The pragmatic method displays the slim margin of error India faces.
The 23-man travelling squad options three goalkeepers in Amrinder Singh, Gurmeet Singh, and Gurpreet Singh Sandhu. The defensive unit contains Jhingan alongside Anwar Ali, Hmingthanmawia Ralte, Muhammed Uvais, Pramveer, and Rahul Bheke.
In midfield, India would depend on creativity from Berandon Fernandes and Saha Abdul Samad, with tempo offered by Udanta Singh Kumam. The attacking choices embody Lallianzuala Chhangte, Liston Colaco, and Farukh Choudhary supporting Chhetri.
Two gamers – goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari and ahead Muhammed Suhail- have been saved on standby for the house leg, permitting Jamil tactical flexibility relying on the end result in Singapore.
The opening fixture at Singapore’s National Stadium will check India’s skill to deal with hostile territory and passionate house assist. Jamil has acknowledged this problem, understanding that endurance and tactical self-discipline can be important for his crew.
For India, the pathway is now clear, slim however navigable. Chhetri’s management, Jhingan’s solidity, and fast service from the vast gamers might be decisive. After their respectable CAFA Nations Cup exhibiting, the Blue Tigers should now convert promise into factors when it issues essentially the most.
The second leg kicks off at 7:30 PM IST on October 14 in Goa, the place house benefit might be the distinction between persevering with their Asia Cup dream or going through early elimination.
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