New Delhi: India’s head coach Manolo Marquez expressed his frustration following the Indian football team’s disappointing 0-0 draw against Bangladesh in the opening match of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifying third round. The result has highlighted the need for significant improvements if India hopes to qualify for the continental tournament.
India are placed in Group C alongside Bangladesh, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Only the group topper after six home-and-away matches will qualify for the Asian Cup. After the draw against Bangladesh in Shillong on March 25, Marquez was visibly upset with the team’s performance.
“We need to improve a lot. The team was progressing in every FIFA window except for the last one,” Marquez said, referring to the recent match against Bangladesh. “While we lost key players for that game, it’s no excuse for the poor performance.”
India will next face Hong Kong in an away match on June 10. The team began its training camp on Monday in preparation.
Marquez emphasized the challenges ahead, saying, “We have a difficult game in Hong Kong, but we have time to prepare, to be competitive, and to try and win to secure three points.”
The other teams in Group C also struggled in their opening matches, with Singapore and Hong Kong playing out a goalless draw. Singapore will travel to Bangladesh on June 10, keeping the group tightly contested.
“All games are tough,” the Spanish coach added. “Singapore was better in the first half against Hong Kong, and Hong Kong came back stronger in the second. It was a very equal contest, just like our game against Bangladesh.”
Before the Hong Kong fixture, India will play a friendly against Thailand on June 4 in Pathum Thani. Thailand, ranked 99th globally and 28 places above India, will provide a valuable test for the Blue Tigers. Despite Thailand’s narrow 1-0 win over 200-ranked Sri Lanka in March, Marquez remains cautious.
“I see Thailand as a good preparation game. They are a Pot 1 team, and their narrow win over Sri Lanka shows the level of competition.”
Out of the 28 players called to the camp, 26 joined the first training session. Defender Rahul Bheke, who recently became a father, will join on May 23, while midfielder Ashique Kuruniyan, recovering from illness, is expected to start training from May 21. India will depart for Thailand on May 28.
Several new faces have earned their first national call-ups following strong performances in the Indian Super League and the Kalinga Super Cup. Mohun Bagan Super Giant forward Suhail Ahmad Bhat, FC Goa goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari, and Punjab FC midfielder Nikhil Prabhu are among those hoping to impress.
“Suhail has excellent attacking movements and a knack for finishing,” said Marquez. “I know Hrithik well and believe he will become one of India’s top goalkeepers. Nikhil has evolved from a centre-back to a versatile defensive midfielder, showing great skill with the ball and aerial ability. He has a bright future ahead.”
Marquez’s candid remarks underline the challenges India faces as they strive to qualify for the 2027 Asian Cup, while also highlighting promising new talent in the squad.
