New Delhi: Manolo Marquez is ready to lead the Indian football team into a new era. His first test will be the Intercontinental Cup, with India set to play Mauritius on September 3rd at the GMC Balayogi Athletic Stadium in Hyderabad. This match marks Marquez’s debut as head coach, following Igor Stimac’s departure after a tough World Cup qualifying campaign. For Marquez, this tournament is a chance to start fresh and set a positive tone for his tenure.
Team news
𝘼 𝙣𝙚𝙬 𝙚𝙧𝙖 𝙗𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙨! 🙌🇮🇳
The Blue Tigers taking the field under @2014_manel’s guidance! 🐅
The Intercontinental Cup will be telecast on Sports 18 3 and streamed live on JioCinema#IndianFootball ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/6xkMRTAjgT
— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) September 2, 2024
With Sunil Chhetri’s retirement, India faces a major shift. Chhetri, the country’s all-time top goalscorer, leaves a big gap both on and off the pitch. Marquez has called up a mix of experienced players and new faces. Among the new recruits are forwards Kiyan Nassiri and Edmund Lalrindika, plus midfielder Lalthathanga Khawlhring (Puitea). These fresh talents are expected to bring new energy to the squad.
In goal, Marquez has surprised some by not including Vishal Kaith, who was key for Mohun Bagan Super Giant last season. Instead, he’s picked Prabhsukhan Gill as the third-choice keeper, alongside Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and Amrinder Singh. The defence will see familiar faces like Subhasish Bose and Jay Gupta, with Marquez likely sticking to his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation.
Predicted lineups
India (4-2-3-1)
GK: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (C)
Defenders: Asish Rai, Rahul Bheke, Anwar Ali, Subhasish Bose
Midfielders: Apuia Ralte, Jeakson Singh; Lallianzuala Chhangte, Sahal Abdul Samad, Liston Colaco
Forward: Manvir Singh
Mauritius (4-2-3-1)
GK: Kevin Jean Louis (C)
Defenders: Jordan Francois, Lindsay Rose, Wilson Moutou Emmanuel Vincent
Midfielders: Jeremy Villeneuve, Adel Langue; Yannick Aristide, Adrien Botlar, Gabriel Calliste
Forward: Aurelien Francois
Where to watch?
The match kicks off at 7:30 PM IST on September 3, 2024. Fans can watch live on Sports18 Network and stream it on the JioCinema app. The game will be held at the GMC Balayogi Athletic Stadium in Hyderabad, a venue that has not hosted an international fixture for the Indian team in 16 years.
Match prediction: Manolo Marquez to start new era with a victory
India is expected to win this match, given their home advantage and higher FIFA ranking. They have a strong track record against Mauritius, having won their only previous encounter. With Marquez eager to make a good impression and the team motivated to turn things around after a tough year, India should secure a 2-0 victory. The new coach’s tactics and the team’s quality should see them start the Intercontinental Cup on a high note.
Manolo Marquez begins his stint with the Indian football team against Mauritius in the Intercontinental Cup, marking a new chapter. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
