Indian football squad reaches Nepal for SAFF Championship

Indian Football Team – File Photo

A 20-member Indian national football squad landed here Tuesday to participate in the SAFF Championship.

Captain Sunil Chhetri feels the tournament is evenly balanced.

“We are the defending champions but there isn’t any room for any complacency. We will be sticking to the strategies and taking one match at a time,” Chhetri said.

The first practice session of the team will be held Wednesday.

Pakistan arrived first Aug 25 followed by Bangladesh and Bhutan the next day.

India play their first match against Pakistan Sep 1.

The 20-member squad is as follows:

Goalkeepers: Subrata Paul, Karanjit Singh, Sandip Nandy.

Defenders: Nirmal Chettri, Arnab Mondal, Gouramangi Singh, Raju Gaikwad, Sandesh Jhingan, Mohanraj Nalappan.

Midfielders: Syed Rahim Nabi, Mehtab Hossain, Arata Izumi, Lenny Rodriguez, Alwyn George, Jewel Raja Shaikh, Francis Fernandes.

Forwards: Sunil Chhetri, Robin Singh, Dawson Fernandes, Jeje Lalpekhlua.

Head Coach: Wim Koevermans.