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Injury-hit India to play Hong Kong
India continue preparations for next January’s Asian Cup finals with three friendlies this month, the first of which is here against Hong Kong on Monday evening.
India continue preparations for next January’s Asian Cup finals with three friendlies this month, the first of which is here against Hong Kong on Monday evening.
Blighted by a string of injuries India coach Bob Houghton will look to test his bench against a team which at 136 is 24 slots above India in the latest FIFA rankings.
“This game will also provide opportunity for non regulars to play and make their mark as it will test our bench strength,” Houghton said.
Injuries and illness have forced Houghton’s hand. Central defender Anwar is still not fit from his last-minute injury against Namibia in New Delhi last month, striker Mohammed Rafi missed training on Sunday because of a groin niggle and N.P. Pradeep is recovering from fever.
India skipper Bhaichung Bhutia is here but not expected to play as he isn’t fit yet. Also on the injured list is Mahesh Gawli, who usually starts as left back now. Anwar’s absence could mean a rare start in central defence for Deepak Mondal, India’s latest Arjuna Award winner in football, at the Balewadi Sports Complex here in the city’s first international football match. And with Mahesh Gawli too not match-fit, Syed Rahim Nabi could play left back. If Pradeep is rested, Mehrajuddin Wadoo, who scored the matchwinner against Namibia, could partner stand-in skipper Climax Lawrence in central midfield. And it is possible that Abhishek Yadav will start alongside Sunil Chhetri as strikers.
The teams drew in the Doha Asian Games and meet after 18 months when India lost 1-2. The litany of injuries notwithstanding, Houghton thinks this is a good chance to notch up the first-ever win against Hong Kong. “We have the advantage to be together (more) than our opponents. It has been three months now that Indian team has been training together and we certainly hold the advantage,” Houghton told the website of the All India Football Federation (AIFF).
Hong Kong coach Tsang Wai Chung said his team had only two sessions before coming here.
The team is led by midfielder Li Haiqiang who is known as ‘golden left-foot’ for his ability with set-pieces.
India will also play Vietnam on Friday and Yemen on October 13.
