India Faces Mauritius in Intercontinental Cup Opener

The Indian men's football team aims to rebound from a disappointing World Cup qualifying campaign under new head coach Manolo Marquez, starting with a match against Mauritius in the Intercontinental Cup. Marquez, who succeeded Igor Stimac, views the tournament as a preparation phase for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup qualifiers, with the first match scheduled for March. This event marks India's return to Hyderabad after 16 years, hosting Mauritius and Syria from September 3 to 9. The coach has expressed concern over the team's readiness due to limited training time, having conducted only two sessions before the opener. He has emphasized the importance of securing good results to maintain India's competitive standing in international football. Additionally, the squad is adapting to life without their former star striker Sunil Chhetri, featuring a mix of returning and new players.