New Delhi, Oct 20: The India U-23 football team departed for Dubai on Wednesday to compete in the forthcoming Qualifiers for the AFC U-23 Asian Cup.
The 23-member squad, plus the support staff flew from Bengaluru, where the U-23 boys had practised in the last couple of days. India, who have been clubbed in Group E along with Oman, UAE and the Kyrgyz Republic, begin their campaign against Oman in their first match on October 24.
“Every country has talented youngsters, and U-23 players who are already playing at the senior level for their respective countries, and so do we. But we need to find the balance in this team,” head coach Igor Stimac said.
“The good thing for us is that we already had a number of players from this bunch of players here who have been a part of the National Team, and are aware of what kind of weather is to be expected, and also the expectations from the fans.
“Our aim is always the same – to go out and win every game,” Stigor added.
From the current contingent, Suresh Singh, Lalengmawia Ralte, Rahim Ali, and Dheeraj Singh were part of the triumphant SAFF Championship squad, while Akash Mishra, Amrajit Singh and Narender Gahlot have been part of the Blue Tigers under Stimac in the past.
The India squad will be having its first practice session on Thursday.
India’s fixtures in the qualifying leg are as follows: October 24: Oman vs India. October 27: India vs UAE. October 30: India vs Kyrgyz Republic.
Goalkeepers: Dheeraj Singh, Prabhsukhan Singh Gill, Mohammad Nawaz.
Defenders: Narender Gahlot, Alex Saji, Hormipam Ruivah, Asish Rai, Sumit Rathi, Akash Mishra.
Midfielders: Suresh Singh, Amarjit Singh, Lalengmawia, Jeakson Singh, Deepak Tangri, Rahul KP, Komal Thatal, Nikhil Raj, Bryce Miranda, Princeton Rebello.
Forwards: Vikram Partap Singh, Rahim Ali, Rohit Danu, Aniket Jadhav. (PTI)
