The Indian Football team is scheduled to train in Kolkata in mid-September before their scheduled international friendlies later this month. The training camp will be organised from 18th September to 21st September before the team travels on 22nd.
The Senior Men’s Indian Football Team will play two International Friendlies against Singapore and Vietnam. Both the matches will be played in Ho Chi Mihn City of the Southeast Asian nation.
As mentioned earlier, the Blue Tigers will travel to Vietnam on September 22, 2022, and subsequently, play Singapore on September 24, and the hosts on September 27, before making the return journey back to India on September 28.
India is currently placed 104th on the FIFA Men’s World Rankings, while their two opponents are placed at 97th (Vietnam) and 159th (Singapore).
Having already qualified for the AFC Asian Cup 2023, India, coached by former Croatia international Igor Stimac, will be looking to prepare for the apex continental tournament next year. Speaking on the two matches ahead, Stimac said, “We are happy about the upcoming challenges, and we’re looking forward to maintaining the quality of performances that we have recently dished out.”
The coach further mentioned that efforts are being made to provide the Blue Tigers with a substantial preparatory camp, while he also remains hopeful for a practice match against Kerala Blasters ahead of their departure to Vietnam.
One thing to be mentioned here is that players currently with their clubs in the Durand cup who will be in the national camp will have to leave their teams after the semifinals. Hence, the final shortlisted players will miss the Grand Finale of the Durand Cup if their respective teams qualify. The final for the tournament is scheduled for 18th September at the Salt Lake stadium.
Indian Football team’s FIFA Friendlies in September:
- September 24: India vs Singapore
- September 27: Vietnam vs India