Football

The Indian men's football team, under the guidance of new head coach Manolo Márquez, embarks on a fresh chapter as they prepare for the Intercontinental Cup opener against Mauritius on Tuesday. The tournament serves as a crucial dress rehearsal for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers, which hold immense significance for India's long-term goal of qualifying for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.Márquez, who has had limited time with the squad due to pre-season commitments, has emphasized the importance of securing positive results in the upcoming FIFA international match windows to maintain India's position in Pot 1 ahead of the December draw. The team's performance in the Intercontinental Cup will be a key indicator of their progress and readiness for the challenges ahead.The Indian squad features a blend of experienced players and promising newcomers, including Chinglensana Singh Konsham, Yasir Mohammad, Asish Rai, Roshan Singh Naorem, Kiyan Nassiri Giri, Lalthathanga Khawlhring, and Prabhsukhan Singh Gill. Márquez will be eager to see how these players perform and integrate into the team's system.India's opponents, Syria and Mauritius, are no strangers to Indian soil. Syria has participated in previous editions of the Intercontinental Cup and the Nehru Cup, while Mauritius competed in the 2017 Tri-Nation Series. Both teams will pose different challenges, and India will need to adapt and execute their game plan effectively.Mauritius, ranked 179th in the world, has shown resilience in their FIFA World Cup Qualifiers group, securing a home win over Eswatini and a draw against Angola. They will be led by French coach Guillaume Moullec and key players such as captain Kevin Jean-Louis, defender Dylan Collard, and midfielder Lindsay Rose.The Intercontinental Cup provides India with an opportunity to assess their current standing and identify areas for improvement. Márquez will be keen to instill his philosophy and tactics into the team while also evaluating the players' individual abilities and team chemistry. The tournament will be a valuable stepping stone on India's journey towards the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers and their ultimate goal of continental success.