India face Hong Kong later this evening in an friendly match after a more than four months of having last played an international.
The Men in Blue managed to beat Tajikistan in the finals of the AFC Challenge Cup and thus book a berth in the 2011 Asian Cup, Qatar.
After a nine day camp in Goa, where 29 players attended, Bob Houghton choose his best 20 with the only exception of Surkumar Singh being left out due to injury.
While both Bob Houghton and skipper Bhaichung Bhutias have stated the need to play against teams who have a better ranking than India’s. Hong Kong are ranked 151 in the FIFA rankings, eight places below India. That says it all!
Amongst the new faces in the 20 man squad are Dempo’s Anthony Pereira and Mohun Bagan’s Rakesh Masih. Anthony, who was a striker, has adapted himself very well at Dempo in the right winger slot. His crosses and lethal runs down the flank are a menace for the opposition. He has established himself as one of the best players on the right wing position over the last two seasons.
Having passed out from Tata Football Academy (TFA), this youngster has impressed one and all with his consistent performances for Mohun Bagan. He has done well in the defensive midfielder’s position and as a center back.
Veterans Bhaichung Bhutia and Renedy Singh find themselves back in the groove by shrugging off their injury concerns.
Bob Houghton was quoted saying,” The team has practiced hard for the friendly and is in a good form. Both Bhaichung and Renedy are fit to play the match but they will not be playing the entire 90 minutes but they will certainly take the field in the match against Hong Kong. The team certainly wants to continue their winning momentum going. There is no change in the squad and the players will be more or less the same that played in the AFC challenge Cup final in Delhi.
“There would be no change in the strategy and though we got only 10 days for the camp but then I am happy with the way the team have shaped up as The players in the team have been playing in the I-League and Federation Cup and there is no doubt that they cannot overcome their opponent. But Hong Kong is a good side and we cannot take them lightly.”
Meanwhile, Hong Kong are unlikely to play with South China striker Chan Siu-Ki due to an ankle problem. This is the last friendly game for Hong Kong before they take on Bahrain to book a place in the 2011 Asian Cup.
"This will be our last match before the Asian Cup qualifier against Bahrain, and of course we want to win," said Dejan Antonic. "But the more important thing is to see the players in action and gain a clearer picture for the Bahrain match."
Meanwhile goalkeeper Zhang Chunhui will be playing his first international after being behind the bars for eight months for assault charges in 2007.
“This is going to be my first match for Hong Kong so of course I feel very excited," said Zhang. "I have yet to reach my peak this season but I will give my best."
Two regulars - South China's Chan Wai-ho, who hurt his neck in Sunday's 2-1 win over Citizen, and Gao Wen of Kitchee, who has a swollen ankle - have been ruled out.
Hong Kong Likely XI: Goalkeeper: Zhang Chunhui. Defenders: Lee Chi-ho, Cristiano Cordeiro, Ng Wai-chiu, Poon Yiu-cheuk. Midfielders: Lee Wailim, Xu Daishuai, Gerard Ambassa Guy, Cheung Kin-fung. Forwards: Chao Pengfei, Au Yeung Yiu-chung.
India Likely XI: Goalkeeper: Subrata Paul, Defenders: Gouramangi Singh, Mahesh Gawli, Samir Naik, Deepak Mandal. Midfielders: Climax Lawrence, N.P.Pradeep, Steven Dias, Anthony Pereira. Forwards: Bhaichung Bhutia, Sunil Chhetri.
