India pick final squad for Hong Kong match

New Delhi

India has named its 25-member football squad for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Hong Kong on June 10. Head coach Manolo Marquez cut three players from the original 28-member group after a 2-0 loss to Thailand in a recent friendly.

Goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari and defenders Mehtab Singh and Subhasish Bose were released from the team. They will return to India, while the rest of the squad moves to Bangkok for final preparations.

India began their qualifying campaign in March with a 0-0 draw against Bangladesh. All four teams in the group currently have one point each, making the next match very important.

Against Thailand, India showed spirit and good moves but failed to finish key chances. Thailand scored through Benjamin Davis in the 8th minute and Poramet Arjvilai in the 59th. India had a few bright moments but suffered due to defensive errors and missed shots.

The 25 players selected include a mix of experienced and young talent. Key names in the squad are captain Sunil Chhetri, Sandesh Jhingan, and Lallianzuala Chhangte. India’s goalkeepers are Vishal Kaith, Gurmeet Singh Chahal, and Amrinder Singh. Midfielders include Suresh Wangjam, Ashique Kuruniyan, and Brandon Fernandes.

India hopes to bounce back strongly in the match against Hong Kong, which could be crucial for their qualification chances. Coach Marquez is confident his team will improve and is focusing on correcting mistakes made in the last game.