India could host Philippines in two international friendlies in November

Photo Credit: AIFF Media

The Indian national team could take on the Philippines in a couple of international friendlies in November, Sportskeeda can reveal.

India won’t be in action in October but with a couple of FIFA dates available in November, the AIFF are eager to arrange two friendly matches for Wim Koevermans’ side and have also kept no I-League matches between November 9 and 23.

“Yes, we are trying to play two friendlies in November,” AIFF general secretary Kushal Das confirmed to Sportskeeda on Monday.

It was learnt that the Philippines, who are placed 14 spots above India in the FIFA Rankings at 141, are the most likely opponents and both games are expected to be held in the same venue with Delhi and Chennai being the options. The matches could take place on November 15 and 17.

“We have approached the Philippines and are awaiting their confirmation,” AIFF national teams’ director Shubhankar Mukherjee told Sportskeeda.

India last faced the Philippines in the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup group stage in Nepal and were beaten 2-0. South-East Asia’s Philippines have qualified for the 2014 Challenge Cup in Maldives unlike India.

SAFF 2013 runners-up India have only played three international friendlies since Koevermans’ appointment in July 2012 and have lost each of them.