PANAJI
Exciting announcement for football fans in Goa as local boys Brandon Fernandes, Brison Fernandes, Irfan Yadwad and Liston Colaco have been included in India’s 26-member squad for the March FIFA International Window.
The squad was revealed by India’s senior men’s national team head coach, Manolo Marquez, on Thursday. Along with the four talented Goans, the squad also features football legend Sunil Chhetri, who is making a return to the national team after announcing his retirement in June 2024. The former national team captain, who is the fourth-highest international goal scorer of all time with 94 goals, had originally planned to retire after India’s World Cup qualifier against Kuwait, but he has now reversed his decision and will play in India’s upcoming fixtures.
Chhetri’s return is seen as a significant boost to the team as India prepares for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Qualifiers. Coach Marquez explained that given the importance of the qualifiers, he spoke to Chhetri about coming back to help strengthen the team, and the legendary forward agreed.
The Blue Tigers will play a friendly match against the Maldives on March 19 in preparation for their opening match in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers against Bangladesh on March 25. Both matches will be held in Shillong.
India’s friendly against the Maldives and their World Cup qualifying match against Bangladesh will take place at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Guwahati later this month.
India’s 26-member squad for March 2025 FIFA International Window:
Goalkeepers: Amrinder Singh, Gurmeet Singh, Vishal Kaith
Defenders: Asish Rai, Boris Singh Thangjam, Chinglensana Singh Konsham, Hmingthanmawia, Mehtab Singh, Rahul Bheke, Roshan Singh Naorem, Sandesh Jhingan, Subhasish Bose
Midfielders: Ashique Kuruniyan, Ayush Dev Chhetri, Brandon Fernandes, Brison Fernandes, Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, Lalengmawia, Liston Colaco, Mahesh Singh Naorem, Suresh Singh Wangjam
Forwards: Sunil Chhetri, Farukh Choudhary, Irfan Yadwad, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Manvir Singh
