Preview: India face Myanmar as they gear up for Asian Cup qualifiers
The Indian National team has their task cut out as they face a promising side in Myanmar, which has players from the squad that qualified for 2015 U-20 World Cup
Myanmar or Burma as it was once known, was once a regional powerhouse in the ASEAN sub-division of the AFC but now seemed to have lost its sheen over the years. Myanmar just like India had their glory days back in 60’s and 70’s having won two Asian Games gold medals (1966 & 1970) and five consecutive South East Asian Games titles from 1965 to 1973, while also finishing as runners up in the 1968 Asian Cup.
The senior team hasn’t been on the success ladder for a long time now having dropped 30 points in the current ranking window which has resulted in them dropping 13 places to 172nd from 159th in February 2017. The young guns of Myanmar, on the other hand, have been creating ripples on the world stage when they reached the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup after some stunning displays in the 2014 AFC U-19 Championship where they managed to reach the semi finals.
India and Myanmar are now pitted together alongside Kyrgyzstan and Macau in Group A of the 2019 AFC Asian Cup third qualifying round. A top two finish will see both sides make the trip to the UAE, but with strong competition from Kyrgyzstan, Battle will probably be between the two sides seeking redemption. Ironically, one of the worst losses for India has come against Myanmar back in 1971 when the India lost 1-9 to then Burma, which some regard as the beginning of India’s downfall in Asian Football dominance.
Also Read: Kenkre FC prepares for its maiden national finals of 2nd division I league
India on the other hand seemed to be on the up under Stephen Constantine having won five consecutive games and winning 10 of the last 12. But based on the performances in the recently concluded International friendly against Cambodia, which was their first in around seven month, a lot of work still seems to be required. The defence looked shaky, while there was no proper flow between midfield and strikers, although the team won 3-2, a similar performance against Myanmar would be a disaster.
India has faced Myanmar 17 times where the Blue Tigers managed to win only 4 and were beaten nine times. As India take guard for the 18th time against Myanmar, they would like to forget about the previous meeting at the same venue 3 years ago. Myanmar knocked off India 1-0 during the qualification for the 2014 AFC Challenge Cup playing at the Thuwunna Stadium.
Pitted against a country that had once inflicted upon India one of its worst defeats ever, tomorrow will be the perfect day to get back on them and embark on a upward journey.
SQUAD
India: Goalkeepers – Subrata Paul, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu(C), TP Rehenesh
Defenders – Pritam Kotal, Nishu Kumar, Sandesh Jhingan, Arnab Mondal, Anas Edathodika, Dhanapal Ganesh, Fulganco Cardozo, Narayan Das, Jerry Lalrinzuala
Midfielders – Jackichand Singh, Udanta Singh, Eugeneson Lyngdoh, Milan Singh, Md. Rafique, Rowlin Borges, Holicharan Narzary, CK Vineeth
Forwards – Jeje Lalpekhlua, Sunil Chhetri, Daniel Lalhimpuia, Robin Singh
Myanmar
Goalkeepers – Thiha Sithu, Yan Aung Lin, Phone Thit Sar Min
Defenders – Win Min Htut, Thein Than Win, David Htan, Tluanghup Thang, Myo Ko Tun, Phyo Ko Ko Thein, Hein Thiha Zaw
Midfielders – Yan Aung Kyaw (C), Tin Win Aung, Thet Naing, Maung Maung Lwin, Zin Phyo Aung, Yan Naing Oo, Sithu Aung,
Forwards – Aung Thu, Kyaw Ko Ko, Suan Lam Mang, Than Paing
MATCH DETAILS
Date: 28th March 2017, 5 PM IST, Thuwunna Stadium, Myanmar
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MYJGMSC Crowned Champions with a dramatic win over MH Oranje FC
In the heart of Mumbai’s football scene, MYJGMSC achieved a remarkable feat by becoming champions of the Mumbai Premier League in their debut season itself. This is no small accomplishment,…
MH Oranje FC Gears Up for a Final Push in the MFA Premier League
MH Oranje FC’s Intense Final Stretch: Pursuing MFA Premier League Glory As the MFA Premier League 2023-24 season reaches its climax, MH Oranje FC is gearing up for an intense…
Bengaluru FC’s focus on youth football is the reason behind our success in the RFDL: Coach Bibiano Fernandes
Mumbai, April 25: For the third season in a row, Bengaluru FC have qualified for the National Championship of the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL). The Blues are two-time defending…
Indian Super League announces tentative venues for the 2023 – 2024 Final
Mumbai, April 23: The Indian Super League (ISL) today announced that the 2023-24 season final scheduled on Saturday, 4th May will be played at the home ground of the higher ranked team in the…
I-League 2: Mumbai Derby turns into a Survival Race Between MH Oranje FC and Kenkre FC.
The final matchday of the I-League 2 is set for an intense showdown as MH Oranje FC takes on Kenkre FC in the Mumbai derby. The match, scheduled for 27th…
Chembur United – JFC ride on Pradnesh’s late stunner to beat Carmelites FC 1-0.
In a thrilling MFA 1st Div encounter between Chembur United (JupiterFC) and Carmelites FC, the game saw both teams create several scoring opportunities, but a late goal by Chembur United…
Odisha FC strike first blow with 2-1 comeback win in semis against Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Bhubaneswar, April 23: Odisha FC secured a 2-1 victory against the Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar in the first leg of their semi-final fixture…
Rahul Bheke: Players from the Reliance Foundation Development League are performing really well in the ISL
Mumbai, 26 April, 2024: Mumbai City FC captain Rahul Bheke has appreciated the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) for building a channel of players for Indian Super League (ISL) clubs…
Mumbai City FC produce miraculous comeback to seize victory in semi-final clash against FC Goa
Goa, April 24: Mumbai City FC inspired a sensational late resurgence to come back from 2-0 down to win the first leg of their semi-final fixture against FC Goa by…
Intrigue and rivalry heats up as FC Goa bank on positive momentum to stop Mumbai City FC in their tracks
Goa, April 23: FC Goa will host Mumbai City FC in the first leg of their semi-final fixture of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 on April 24, Wednesday, at 7:30…
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…