The Blue Colts are going to face a massive test in the upcoming AFC U-23 Asian Cup Qualifiers. The tournament will be held in PR China, in September. Recently, Clifford Miranda joined the U-23 side as their Head Coach.
AIFF is facing problems in securing the services of the Blue Colts:
The majority of ISL clubs are reluctant in releasing their young guns for more than a month. As the qualifier’s schedule conflicts with the ISL’s schedule, the clubs are reluctant to let go of their young stars.
The AIFF Secretary, Shaji Prabhakaran, released a probable list of players for the AFC U-23 Asian Cup Qualifiers. He also informed the ISL clubs that the preparatory camp will be scheduled from August 12 to September 3 at Bhubaneshwar in Odisha. Prabhakaran said,
“The final team will travel to PR China on September for the participation in the AFC U-23 Championship (Q).”
According to TOI, the players could rejoin their clubs only on September 15, more than a month after they joined the camp and just a week before the ISL opener.
On several clubs’ resistance to release their players, a senior official also said,
“Some clubs have players taking part in the domestic leagues, and there is the Durand Cup early next month as well. What’s the point of sending the players away for a month.”
India placed in Group G at the AFC U-23 Asian Cup Qualifiers:
India has been placed in Group G of the AFC U-23 Asian Cup Qualifiers. Following the draw, the Blue Colts will have to play against the Maldives, China, and the UAE.
In the Qualifiers, India will play against the Maldives on September 6, China on September 9, and the UAE on September 12.
Coach Igor Stimac’s request to all ISL clubs:
Through social media, India’s National team Head Coach, Igor Stimac, made a sincere request to all the ISL clubs and their coaches. He also asked all the clubs to release the selected players for preparatory camps. He also appealed to all the coaches to help him arrange longer camps, as short preparation times may kill their hopes for success.
India’s probable squad for the AFC U-23 Asian Cup Qualifiers:
The list of 28 probables are–
Goalkeepers: Sachin Suresh, Hrithik Tiwari, Prabhsukhan Gill, and Arsh Anwer Shaikh
Defenders: Narender Gahlot, Hormipam Ruivah, Bikash Yumnam, Halen Nongtdu, Sanjeev Stalin, and Sumit Rathi
Midfielders: Thoiba Singh, Lalrinliana Hnamte, Jiteshwor Singh, Ayush Chhetri, Vibin Mohanan, Jitendra Singh, Brison Fernandes, Amarjit Singh, Sourav K
Forwards: Vikram Pratap Singh, Prathib Gogoi, Abdul Rabeeh, Rohit Danu, Ninthoinganba Meetei, Gurkirat Singh, Ayush Chhikara, Sivasakthi Narayanan, and Suhail Bhat
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