Hero Gold Cup experience may help India clear Olympic hurdle: Rocky
Bhubaneshwar: India bowed out of the Hero Gold Cup after a 2-0 defeat to Myanmar on Wednesday at the Kalinga Stadium and finished third in the group.
Despite the early exit, India coach Maymol Rocky was positive while assessing the team’s performance, stating that the competition was an important experience. “The team played well, I believe,” she said.
“We are still in a developmental process with the target being clearing the second round of the 2020 Olympic qualifiers. Playing in the Hero Gold Cup against the likes of Myanmar, Nepal and Iran was really good for us and was a massive learning experience. Now, we know which areas of the game we lack in and what we need to work on,” she stated.
The coach also thanked All India Football Federation (AIFF) and Government of Odisha for organizing the four-team event: “The AIFF and Government of Odisha have given us such a big platform to play. All the three matches were tough and of high-intensity. It was great preparation for the challenges ahead.”
Rocky picked a relatively young side for the Hero Gold Cup, with a number of youngsters donning their senior India colors for the first time. One was 17-year-old Manisha, who hails from Punjab, and came on as a substitute in the opening game against Iran. She also made her first senior start against Myanmar.
Manisha had this to say about the experience of playing in the competition: “It was a special feeling, playing for India in India. All three matches were extremely competitive and for me, as a player, and for the team, they were a great learning experience.”
Referring to the forthcoming SAFF Championship, Maymol stressed ‘it’s a must-win for us’.
“We will play Nepal in the semi-final or final, and the match will certainly be a tough one given our recent results against them. We have a month to train and we will leave no stone unturned in our preparation as we look to make it five titles in a row,” said Rocky.
India will play Nepal in April, this time in the second round of the 2020 Olympics qualifiers. They have been drawn against Myanmar, Nepal, and Indonesia in Group A, with only the top team in the group qualifying for Round 3.
AIFF MEDIA
Also Read: Myanmar coach hails ‘lucky’ win against India
Also Read: DERRICK PEREIRA TO COACH INDIA IN AFC U-23 QUALIFIERS
Hyderabad FC ride on Allan Paulista’s brace to beat Mohammedan SC 4-0 in Kolkata
Hyderabad FC hammered Mohammedan SC 4-0 to register their first win of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Saturday. On a…
MH Oranje FC Reclaims Form with a Gritty Win Over ICL Mumbai in the MPL
After a rocky start to their Mumbai Premier League campaign, MH Oranje FC finally returned to form, clinching their first three points with a gritty win over ICL Mumbai. This…
Mumbai City FC Held to a Frustrating Draw by Ten-Man Odisha FC
In a clash at the Mumbai Football Arena, what seemed like a straightforward victory slipped through Mumbai City FC’s grasp as missed chances and crucial errors paved the way for…
India Khelo Football Workshop returns to Mumbai for its 4th Season
The Indian Khelo Football (IKF) Workshop returns to Mumbai this September, bringing with it an exceptional platform for aspiring footballers to showcase their skills and seize opportunities that could transform…
MFA / Mumbai Super League / Trials
Somaiya FC announces trials for the upcoming 2024-25 Season
Somaiya FC, having secured a commendable 5th position in the MFA Super Division last season, has announced open trials as they gear up for upcoming season. The team, known for…
VR Academy to conduct trials for 2024-25 Season
Mumbai based VR Academy has announced trials for the upcoming 2024-25 season. The club is looking for talented young players to join our esteemed academy and participate in various competitive…
MH ORANJE FC U-17 Trials for the Upcoming Season
With a proud legacy of nurturing talent and achieving excellence, Maharashtra Oranje FC has recently made waves with appearances in I-League 2, securing a remarkable runner-up position in the fiercely…
Football School of India announce trials for Young Talents
Football School of India (FSI) has announced trials for young football enthusiasts in the upcoming week of June. A golden opportunity for aspiring players to showcase their talents and potentially…
Mumbai Super League club Charkop FC to conduct open trials for upcoming Season
Calling all aspiring football stars! Charkop FC, a MFA super division club based in Charkop, Kandivali, is set to conduct Open Trials for the upcoming season. About Charkop FC: In…
Academy / Football Academy / Trials
Mumbai 42 Football Academy to conduct trials for Youth players
Newly established Mumbai 42 Football Academy will be conducting trials for young footballers in the upcoming week.
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.