Marquez targets perfect start to Asian Cup qualifiers

Shillong

India’s senior men's football team, under head coach Manolo Marquez, will kick off their AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers today (Tuesday), facing Bangladesh at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong. Marquez described the qualifiers as “six finals,” stressing the importance of securing maximum points as only the group winners qualify for the tournament in Saudi Arabia.

"The first game is always crucial. We need to finish first to qualify," Marquez said at the pre-match press conference. India’s recent 3-0 victory over the Maldives in a friendly match provided a morale boost, with Sunil Chhetri marking his return to the national team with his 95th international goal.

Defender Sandesh Jhingan added that India is expecting a high-intensity, adrenaline-filled match, especially against Bangladesh, known for its passionate rivalry with India in all sports. "We are focused on getting the result. If you're well prepared, you can beat any team," he said.

Despite India’s higher FIFA ranking (126th) compared to Bangladesh (185th), Marquez acknowledged that rankings don't always reflect the strength of a team. He also praised Bangladesh’s squad, highlighting the addition of Premier League player Hamza Choudhury as a significant boost.

Bangladesh coach Javier Cabrera expressed confidence, stating that his team has been training hard and is ready to challenge India. Bangladesh captain Jamal Bhuyan, returning to India with good memories, promised a tough fight.