Sunil Chhetri: “We won’t think about revenge or anything closer to that”

Although Oman left it late to sweep the tie against the Blue Tigers in Guwahati during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 qualifiers in September this year, Sunil Chhetri dismissed talks about India gunning for a revenge when they challenge the Gulf Nation at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Muscat, Oman on Tuesday (November 19, 2019).
“We won’t think about revenge or anything closer to that, absolutely not. At the end of the day, the points matter. It’s not a derby as they are not our neighbours,” Chhetri stated on the sidelines of the first training session in Muscat.
“These are the qualifiers and we have only one thing in our mind i.e., to go out and give everything that we have and take the result. I mean the important point is to go and play well, especially in the away matches.”
Oman striker Al Mandhar has already scored four goals in four matches during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 qualifiers but Pritam Kotal felt everyone should be dealt with equally to come out with a favourable result.
“It’s not only Al Mandhar, other attackers like Al Alwai, Al Ghassani everyone can impose equal danger to a defence line. They are quick, they switch positions fast and can score from long. We have to be extra cautious of their long-range shots,” Kotal opined.
In the first leg, Chhetri scored India’s only goal which could have earned the Blue Tigers their first win against the Gulf Nation but Al Mandhar scored back-to-back goals to dent India’s dream. These two countries have played eight matches against each other until now and Oman were on the winning side six times whereas the other two matches ended in a draw.
On being asked whether these stats will put India under pressure before they hit the ground, Adil Khan felt otherwise.
“Yes, numbers say that they (Oman) are favourites but it all will start from scratch tomorrow. Their attackers can do anything on a given day and we have to be on our toes throughout,” Adil stressed.
Custodian Gurpreet Singh Sandhu picked that staying unbeaten on the road is the priority now and Oman is going to be a difficult opponent to play against.
“Not losing a game away from home is our priority right now. It’s always difficult playing away from home and we recognise the threats (from Oman) given their ability and strength. We have to make sure we deal with them well.”
The match is scheduled to kick-off at 08:30 PM IST (07:00 PM Local time) and it’ll be telecast live on Star Sports network and streamed live on Hotstar, Jio TV.
For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football
We would love to hear your Feedback on your Football Counter experience
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football.
I-league / Indian Super League / MDFA / Recommended
EXCLUSIVE: Mumbaikar Varun Mathur shares ongoing I-League experience in a bio-bubble
The 22-year-old midfielder from Mumbai is currently playing at Chennai City FC for a consecutive second year. Varun Mathur had his humble beginnings representing his school team and playing for…
THE ISL TRANSFER RADAR
Northeast United FC has announced Deshorn Brown as their new striker. The Highlanders announced the transfer news in the ongoing January transfer window. Deshorn Brown had scored 7 goals in…
Sporko to organize U-20 Youth Championship in Bandra, Mumbai
Sporko Sports Management group is all set to organize a U-20 Youth Championship in Neville D’Souza turf in Bandra, Mumbai. The tournament is slated to start from the 15th of…
Fan Voice – Finally it felt like the FC Goa team we were used to watching
As FC Goa clinched a dominating win over Jamshedpur FC, fans were pleased with their side’s performance stating it felt like FC Goa of old. The Gaurs were clinical throughout…
FC Goa vs ATK Mohun Bagan – 3 Key Battles to watch out for
FC Goa are all set to take on ATK Mohun Bagan in the battle of the 2nd spot in the ISL standings. We take a look at three key battles that…
Laszlo looks for wins with Fowler’s red and gold army marching on
Goa, January 17: Chennaiyin FC coach Csaba Laszlo will look to add some wins to his team’s tally when they take on SC East Bengal in the Hero Indian Super League…
European giants Seville FC join hands with FC Bengaluru United
Six-time UEFA Euro League winners Seville FC joined hands with FC Bengaluru United yesterday on a strategic deal to impart their methodologies to FC Bengaluru United and increase their fanbase in…
Churchill Brothers play out a goalless draw against Mohammedan
Churchill Brothers played out a goalless draw against Mohammedan SC in a top of the table clash here at the Kalyani Municipal Stadium in Kalyani, West Bengal today (January 14,…
One of the Youngest Professional Coach in Indian Football joins Aizawl FC
Aizawl FC has come on a mutual agreement with Coach Stanley Rozario to part ways. The team is presently competing in the Hero I-League. The former Mohammeden SC Coach Yan…
Debutant Sudeva Delhi register their first win in Hero I-League
Debutants Sudeva Delhi FC registered their first win of the Hero I-League 2020-21 season after the Chencho Dorji coached side defeated All India Football Federation’s developmental side Indian Arrows 3-0…
IKF to dispense free international football exposure for children in India
India Khelo Football (IKF) is a non-profit platform aimed at providing kids from India a fair chance to pursue their dream of playing football internationally. IKF shares its vision to…
MDFA / Recommended / Trials
IDBI Bank to hold trials for a central defender
After successfully conducting their first round of trials on 21st November, MDFA Super Division outfit are now looking to conduct another trial in search of Central Defenders. With football resuming,…
Chedda Nagar FC set to conduct trials for MDFA Super Division
Chedda Nagar Football Fanatics will be conducting trials to reform their MDFA Super Division squad. Being established in 2011, Chedda Nagar is a renowned name in Mumbai football. The team…
IDBI Bank to host trials for MDFA Super Division
With football resuming, IDBI Bank will be conducting trials for the upcoming MDFA Season. The team will participate in the Super Division and will be seen conducting their first round…
MDFA / Recommended / Super Division / Trials
Madanpura FA, Sara FA to host trials for the upcoming MDFA season
Sara Football Academy and Madanpura FA to host trials for MDFA Super division & 2nd division and 3rd division respectively on the 19th and 21st of November simultaneously. Sara FA…
FC Hydra to hold trials for women footballers in Bengaluru
FC Hydra will be holding trials for women footballers for the upcoming BDFA A division Women’s league. The club is based out of Bengaluru. FC Hydra will be holding trials…
3rd Division / MDFA / Trials
NLWS FC to hold trials for MDFA 3rd division
NLWS FC is club based in Dadar who have registered themselves in the MDFA 3rd division for the 2020-21 season. The club will be holding trials for the same. Mauli…
Elite Division / MDFA / Trials
The Oranje FC to host trials for MDFA Elite Division
The Oranje FC will be hosting trials for the upcoming MDFA 2020-21 season this November. The club will be participating in the MDFA Elite division this season. Established in 2017,…
2nd Division / MDFA / Trials
Sporting Options FC to hold trials for MDFA 2nd Division
Sporting Options Football Club will be hosting trials for the upcoming 2020-21 football season. The team is currently playing in the MDFA 2nd division. Sporting Options FC was established in…
MDFA 1st Division side Madanpura Sports Club soon to host trials
With football gradually returning, Mumbai based Madanpura Sports Club are slated to conduct trials for the upcoming season. Madanpura Sports Club is the Junior team of Bombay Muslims SC, who…