India take on Nepal in an international friendly at the Mumbai Football Arena in Andheri on Tuesday.
The fixture comesAahead of their crucial Asian Cup Qualifier against Kyrgyz Republic on June 13 in Bengaluru. The game will prove as a preparation point for the match in the Asian Cup for the Blue Tigers.
India was to face Lebanon in a friendly that wasAcancelled due to visa issues. Then Nepal stepped up and agreed to play on such a short notice.
Koji Gyotoku’s Nepal side are currently placed 169th as per the latest FIFA rankings; whereas the hosts are at the 100th spot. However, head coach Stephen Constantine does not believe that the low ranking could determine Nepal’s threat in the tie on Tuesday.
a?The FIFA Rankings are just one aspect of the game. There are no easy teams at the international level. Nepal has a group of very hard-working players and we expect a tough game. I know the mentality there, so we expect the usual from them, which is fight until you can’t fight anymore.
“It is not as if we would now relax, we would not be pushing to break the 100 barrier. However our focus is completely now on Nepal and we will take one game at a time.a?
Indian captain, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu commented on the team’s recent rise in FIFA Rankings; “We have developed in the last two years and now is the time to show everyone that we deserve to be here and we have to strive to maintain this style of progress”.
Nepal coachAGyotoku spokeAof his side’s chances against the Indian team, “Our team isAjust learning. They are on their way. They are making efforts but skill, tactics and physically, I believe the Indian team is better. But we will try our best.”
“Itas a very difficult match for us. Few days back the FIFA rankings came out-India are placed at 100 while we are at 169. Indiaas team has improved in the last two years under the foreign coach [Stephen Constantine]Aand tomorrowas match will be very difficult for us, but we will try to win. We need to get something from the match.”
Sunil Chhetri’s absence from the India team
Meanwhile, Constantine informed Sunil Chhetri will not be playing against Nepal; while CK Vineeth was released from the Camp on the day due to a sore ankle.
a?Sunil is a very good player and has been for a long time. I hope he has many more years to give for India. I would like Chhetri to be leading the team in the AFC Asian Cup in 2019, if we qualify. The day he hangs his boots, it will be huge loss for Indian Football.a?
