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Indian football team to play Bhutan in an unofficial friendly match

New Delhi, Aug 4: Indian national football team is set to play an unofficial friendly practice match against neighbours Bhutan on August 13.

The 23-man Indian squad is currently training at the pre-season camp hosted in Delhi under British coach Stephen Constantine.

Indian football team practicing

Speaking to the-aiff.com, Constantine said: "It was important to get a game at such a short notice.

"We are a bit disappointed that the tour to USA didn't happen. In such a situation it was very important for us to get a game but we managed to get one at such a short notice.

"We have a squad of 23 Players who have not trained for the last two to three months. A lot of them are youngsters and it just gives us a chance to give these boys a bit more of International experience.

"We have a lot of guys who have been knocking at the door to get in and with Bengaluru FC and East Bengal having not released their Players, it provided the opportunity for some other people to get some exposure.

"We have said all along that we are trying to build a bigger pool of Players. There is a fierce competition for places and I think this game is important in the development of young Players."

According to media reports, there was a striking controversy at the Indian camp. Apparently few players and support staff were suffering food poisoning on Wednesday (August 3).

India's opponents minnows Bhutan are currently gearing up for the Asian Cup qualifiers. On the opponents, Constantine commented: "The Players in Bhutan are presently playing in their League. They will have a lot of games under their belt."

Indian at present are ranked 152 in the latest FIFA rankings published on July 14 while Bhutan are placed at the 192 position.

OneIndia News

Story first published: Tuesday, August 8, 2017, 11:47 [IST]
Other articles published on Aug 8, 2017