Siliguri: Searching for their first win in an international friendly this year, the Indian football team takes on Philippines here on Friday without a quartet of senior players, who were left out due to various reasons.
India lost two international friendlies earlier this year – against Palestine in February and Tajikistan in August – and coach Wim Kovermans will be desperate to win on Friday and against Nepal (November 19), both matches to be played at here.
The home side will be playing without some of their regular players – goalkeeper Subrata Paul, defenders Gouramangi Singh and Nirmal Chhetri and midfielder Syed Rahim Nabi.
The Filipinos will start as favourites considering they are ranked 117th in the FIFA charts against a lowly 154th India, but Koevermans’ men will be banking on home advantage.
“We appreciate Philippines coming over to play, especially during difficult times,” Koevermans said, referring to the devastating Typhoon Haiyan, which hit the island nation recently.
The match will start at 6pm. (PTI)
