India’s football team, under new coach Manolo Marquez, opened their Intercontinental Cup campaign with a disappointing 0-0 draw against Mauritius. Despite having superior possession, they struggled to create meaningful scoring chances. The match emphasized the need for improvement as the team prepares for upcoming qualifiers for both the World Cup and Asian Cup.
In his debut match as head coach of India, Manolo Marquez faced disappointment in a goalless draw against Mauritius during the Intercontinental Cup opener in Hyderabad. With Mauritius ranked 179th, India, having struggled post a promising start to their World Cup qualifying campaign, were expected to perform better. Marquez, admitting the subpar performance, emphasized that the team’s only option is to improve as they prepare to face Syria next.
After previously achieving a milestone with an away win, India’s aspirations took a hit following a loss to Afghanistan and disqualification against Kuwait. Consequently, under Marquez’s leadership, the focus has shifted to the upcoming 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers. In the match, Chinglensana Singh earned his first cap in 18 months, while Sahal Abdul Samad, despite his significant contributions in recent matches, started on the bench.
India maintained possession throughout but struggled to translate it into scoring opportunities. Several attempts by players like Manvir Singh and Lallianzuala Chhangte were thwarted, and the team’s lack of sharpness was evident as they faced a well-drilled team in Mauritius who had trained intensively for three weeks. Despite some promising moments, including a delivery in the early first half, India failed to capitalize, and the game ended without a goal.
The Indian national football team embarked on a new chapter under the guidance of head coach Manolo Marquez, who stepped in following the tumultuous end of the previous qualifying campaign. Recent matches had showcased India’s inconsistency, with the team briefly showcasing promise before suffering setbacks that questioned their readiness for significant tournaments. The Intercontinental Cup served as a crucial test to build momentum towards the upcoming qualifiers for both the World Cup and the Asian Cup.
In summary, India’s performance under coach Manolo Marquez in the Intercontinental Cup opener was lackluster, resulting in a disappointing 0-0 draw against a lower-ranked Mauritius team. The match highlighted several areas needing improvement, particularly in translating possession into effective scoring opportunities. Moving forward, the team will aim to capitalize on this invaluable experience as they prepare for their next match against Syria and further challenges ahead.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
