Mauritius headed towards the match after suffering a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Indian Football Team, whereas, St. Kitts & Nevis were hoping to kick-start their campaign with a win.

Both the outfits took time to settle into the game. With Mumbai Football Arena almost as equal as empty in this match, although over 100 school children flocked over at the Mumbai Football Arena.

Mauritius got the first chance of the game when Jocelyn’s pinpoint cross was headed over the bar by Justin in the 7th minute. After a good display in the first fifteen minutes, Mauritius finally took the lead when left-back Balisson’s precise cross was superbly headed by Jean Sarah in the back of the net.

For the second time in the Tri-Nation series, Mauritius took the lead as they were also ahead against India in the opening match. Balisson had a brilliant game throughout who popped in a number of crosses over the match.

Mauritius went into the break with a one goal advantage in hope to register their first win of the Tri-Nation Football Series campaign. St. Kitts & Nevis had an improved second-half as they approached the game in an attacking way.

Mauritius though almost doubled their lead when Jocelyn’s curling effort was saved by St. Kitts’ goalkeeper Jamal. Moments later, St. Kitts’ Kimaree saw his shot being saved by Mauritius’ Caserne.

A few minutes later, St. Kitts’ hard work finally paid off. Rogers Kimaree, through on goal, who was set up by Williams Petrez beautifully finished past Caserne to level the score. Both the sides earned a point from this result with Mauritius ending their campaign with a point from two games.

St. Kitts & Nevis will play India on 24th August 2017 i.e on Wednesday which will be the concluding match of the HERO Tri-Nation Football Series.

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“This Football series is of huge importance for us as. I feel it’s the perfect dress rehearsal before we take on Macau in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifier,” he said.

The nippy Manipuri hailed the ‘perfect team effort’ behind India’s successful run in International Football where they have won the 13 of the last 15 matches (including the unofficial match against Bhutan).

“We have struck hit the right chord at the right time. A team doesn’t comprise of just the players who play on the pitch but the entire support staff — be it the physio, the team trainer, the equipment manager, the masseur – everyone plays their part.”

“We can’t afford to be complacent till we hit the bull’s eye. We believe in taking one match at a time and we’ll continue to do so. We are getting closer to our dream with each game and we can’t rest till we clinch the ticket to UAE,” he pronounced.

Referring to competition within the squad, Jackichand stated: “There is a healthy competition amongst the players and that helps us to get into the right shape at the right time.”

“At the end of the day, it’s the Coach who will take a call but we have to push ourselves to achieve more.”

Jackichand also lavished huge praise on the youngsters in the team. The present squad training in Mumbai has 10 faces from India’s U-23 AFC Cup campaign where India put up a spirited show.

“The youngsters are perfectly fitting into the setup. We are a happy family,” Jackichand smiled.

“We complement each other. In the National Team setup, you have to be on your toes throughout. In fact, the youngsters keep the senior players on their toes. At the same time, they get to learn from the best in business.”

Jackichand’s solitary goal in the National colours came at the Mumbai Football Arena against Puerto Rico last September.

“The memory has been wonderful. I have a special connection with Mumbai. I can never forget this ground as my first International goal came here,” he went back to the victory against Puerto Rico.

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Mumbai: Francisco Filho, Mauritius National Team Coach takes the forthcoming Hero Tri-Nation Football Series nothing less than a “platform to showcase Mauritians’ football ability” which will kick-off at the Mumbai Football Arena on August 19, 2017, when the African nation locks their horns with hosts India.

“It’ll prove to be a great stage for us to show our abilities. Football is all about the techniques, strategies. We’ll hope for the best and we won’t compromise with our target while taking on India in three days”, coach sounded pretty positive when www.the-aiff.com caught up with him after the practice session today (August 16, 2017).

“We have come here to make a point and we’ll enjoy every moment of it. Our ability is no less than others and we’ll prove it on the pitch”, coach Filho stated.

However, the Ex-Brazilian player didn’t mince his words praising the All India Football Federation for organising the Hero Tri-Nation Football Series now.

“I’m yet to get used to all the players and I’m learning from them as well. This tournament is going to help me immensely understanding the boys as well as vice versa.”

The 76-year old coach who was at the helm of the Manchester United youth teams during 2002-05, praised the Indian hospitality as well.

He further added, “The place, the people are very good and they’re very interested in the game. It’s the first time Mauritius have come to play on the Indian soil and the boys are already in love with this beautiful country.”

“It’s been my first time in India as well and I’m really overwhelmed by the warm hospitality shown towards us.”

Mauritius will take on St. Kitts & Nevis in their second game of the Hero Tri-Nations Football Series 2017 at the same venue on August 22, 2017.

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The Tri-nation Football series is part of the National Team’s preparatory process for the AFC Asian Cup Qualifying away match against Macau which is scheduled for September 5.

Thanking WIFA and MDFA for their cooperation, AIFF General Secretary Mr. Kushal Das said the “sporting culture” of Mumbai makes it stand out amongst others.

“We are overwhelmed by the eagerness of the authorities in Mumbai to host the three International matches in Mumbai. Mumbai has been the venue for the National Team since September 2016 when we hosted Puerto Rico,” he stated.

India is currently ranked 97 as per August 2017 FIFA Rankings. Indian Football and the National Team have been on the upsurge with a string of good results leading to a climb of 77 places in FIFA Rankings over the last two years. The Team has now won 13 of their 15 International matches having won their last 8 fixtures (including the unofficial match against Bhutan).

Fixtures:

August 19: India vs Mauritius

August 22: St Kitts & Nevis vs Mauritius

August 24: India vs St. Kitts & Nevis

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