India announces its 28-man squad for the Puerto Rico tie
National Coach Stephen Constantine today announced his 28 player’s probable squad for India’s next International Friendly against Puerto Rico to be played on September 3, 2016. This match is scheduled to be the first International football match at Mumbai in over 61 years, as Andheri sports complex gears up to host the game. Last time Mumbai witnessed an International football match, it was against a touring USSR team back in 1955 which India lost 3-0.
“It’s a hugely important match for the people in Maharashtra that International Football is back in Mumbai after a long gap. Mumbai, as vibrant as ever, has been known for its Football culture and I hope the Indian fans will be turning up to support and cheer from the Stands. It’s important that we have a good crowd,” Constantine told AIFF Media. The Mumbai crowd is known for its sporting enthusiasm when it comes to sports like cricket and Kabbadi, but football will be a test. Although there will a certain fix number of supporter lining up for the game, it will be interesting to know the numbers, whether it come close to that of ISL crowd in the city.
India are facing a higher rank team in Puerto Rico who are currently placed at 114, one of the biggest jumper in FIFA July ranking calendar, while India have remained at 152 spot. It will be important game for the blue tigers who have failed to break the 150 mark since last year.
Coach Stephen Constantine echoed the importance of the game, “Puerto Rico were the best movers in the FIFA Rankings in July 2016. I have been watching some of their matches and they boast about a lot of Players who play in quality Leagues all over the World including Europe and the USA,” Constantine who was of opinion of including PIO’s for the national team brought back the references of Guam game adding, “They are a Country similar to Guam. It’s an American colony and is a very good side. It will be a very tough game and we hope we can put up a good performance.” Constantine informed that all the Players would be reporting to the Camp on August 28 with practice sessions beginning next day, August 29, around six days before the game on 3rd September.
There are some changes in the squad with BFC and EB having to release its players for this official International friendly, Goal keepers Laxmikant Kattimani and TP Rehnesh dropping out to make space for Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and Amrinder Singh, while few others like A. Khonjee, Koushik Sarkar and Surprisingly the young SAFF cup scorer L Changte didn’t make the cut.
The 28-Man Probable squad of INDIA:
Goalkeepers
Subrata Pal, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Amrinder Singh
Defenders
Rino Anto, Sandesh Jhingan, Arnab Mondal, Keegan Pereira, Chinglensana Singh, Pritam Kotal, Narayan Das, Fulganco Cardozo
Midfielders
Vinit Rai, Eugeneson Lyngdoh, Dhanpal Ganesh, Pronay Halder, Jackichand Singh, Isaac Vanmalsawma, Bikash Jairu, Udanta Singh, Holicharan Narzary, Rowlin Borges, Alwyn George, Germanpreet Singh, Mohammed Rafique, Arjun Tudu
Forwards
Sunil Chhetri, Jeje Lalpekhlua, Sumeet Passi
“This team has worked for 1 year 10 months together to mark their statement” Head Coach Of Mumbai City FC U19 – Mohan Dass
In an Exclusive Interview with Mumbai City FC Coach Mohan Suresh Dass, we take a look into the Mumbai City FC U19’s triumphant journey in the MFA Super League The…
Undefeated MYJ GMSC lead the Reliance Foundation Development League – Mumbai Region
The Mumbai Leg of Reliance developmental league regional round kicked off last week, and its MYJ GMSC who have race to the top of the table. MYJGMSC are currently the…
Indian Super League / Transfer News
Chennaiyin FC defender Bijay Chhetri signs for Uruguayan club
Bijay Chhetri becomes the first Indian player to sign with Latin American club after he joins Uruguayan club Colon Futbol Club on loan. The 22-year-old rising Indian footballer Bijay Chhetri…
India suffer shock defeat against Afghanistan
GUWAHATI: India’s quest for a place in the third round of the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup 2027 Preliminary Joint Qualifiers suffered a serious jolt when they went…
Blue Tigers ready to pounce on Afghanistan in chock-a-block Guwahati Stadium
GUWAHATI: The Indian senior men’s team will look to pocket full points as they take on Afghanistan in the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup 2027 Preliminary Joint Qualification…
Odisha FC: The newly-crowned queens of Indian women’s football
NEW DELHI: Odisha FC Women had a dream to chase when the club was formed 20 months ago. And for dreamers, they knew, hard facts are never an obstacle. So, they…
India U23 draw with Malaysia in second friendly tie
NEW DELHI: The India Under-23 Men’s National Team drew 1-1 with the hosts Malaysia Under-23 team in their second friendly match at the Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium in Kuala Lumpur on…
AIFF to felicitate Sunil Chhetri on his 150th International for the Blue Tigers
NEW DELHI: The All India Football Federation will felicitate Indian Senior Men’s Team captain Sunil Chhetri, who is expected to play his 150th Senior International match in the FIFA World Cup…
Goalkeeper Elangbam Chanu signs for Australian club Metro United WFC
Elangbam Panthoi Chanu, the Indian Womens team Goalkeeper becomes the first Indian player to play in Australian League after signing for Metro United WFC. Elangbai Panthoi Chanu the Indian Keeper…
Lallianzuala Chhangte: I wouldn’t be here today if not for the chances given to me by the ISL
Mumbai, March 26: Nineteen games into the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24, Mumbai City FC finds itself placed comfortably at the top of the table with 41 points. They are well…
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…