By Our Reporter
Shillong, March 22: NorthEast United midfielder Macarton Louis Nickson has been drafted into the Indian national football squad ahead of their crucial AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifying match against Bangladesh on Tuesday.
The 21-year-old from Karnataka has been rewarded for his stellar performances in the Indian Super League (ISL) this season, where he played a key role in NorthEast United’s journey to the play-offs—the club’s first appearance in the knockout stage since 2020.
Nickson was also instrumental in the team’s Durand Cup triumph last year and has been a consistent presence in the starting XI throughout the ongoing ISL campaign.
Confirming his inclusion, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) stated, “Macarton Louis Nickson has joined the Indian camp in Shillong.”
Head coach Manolo Marquez has already made changes to the squad, bringing in winger Udanta Singh as a replacement for Brandon Fernandes, who was ruled out due to an injury sustained during India’s 3-0 victory over the Maldives in an international friendly on March 19.
India will also be without forward Manvir Singh and speedster Lallianzuala Chhangte, both sidelined with injuries. However, veteran striker Sunil Chhetri, who recently came out of international retirement, remains available to lead the attack. The talismanic forward marked his return with his 95th international goal in the win against the Maldives.India are placed in Group C of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 third-round qualifiers, alongside Bangladesh, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Only the top team from the group will secure direct qualification for the continental tournament.