Playing against Pakistan is very exciting: Mandar Rao Desai, India U-23 left winger

Mandar Desai and Joyner Laurenco speaking to the media

A match against Pakistan is something that adds a lot of pressure, but is also always very enjoyable. Speaking after their debut for the India U-23 footbal team, both Mandar Desai and Joyner Lourenco indicated that there was great excitement ahead of the match,

When asked about his feelings before the match, Mandar said, “I was not nervous. I was very excited. The match too was quite good, and I enjoyed playing for India against our rivals. Coach told me to stay calm, and I think I gave my best.”

He also said, “Arthur Papas came to Dempo last year, and played me on the left wing, and I played many games, I am a left winger, and it helped me grow in confidence.”

When asked to compare the I-League and Internationals, he mentioned that internationals were more competitive and that playing international teams is challenging. He also said that his experience of playing at the Lusofonia Games was good, as he played teams like Mozambique and Macau.

Joyner Lourenco who also made his debut against Pakistan on Sunday, said, “Playing Pakistan was a good experience, and I thank the coach. The Pakistan forwards were quite competitive.”

When asked to compare the coaching at his club Sporting Club de Goa and India, he said, “Both the coaches are similar, and follow similar methods.”

He also felt that India could have done better in the friendlies in Czech Republic as they squandered chances to win the games. He mentioned that his father was the first to know about his selection for the U-23 team, and that he supports Manchester United in the Premier League.