Coach Constantine insists India can't afford to take hardworking Nepal lightly in today's friendly ahead of their 2019 AFC qualifier next week
Team India players train ahead of their friendly encounter against Nepal at the Mumbai Football Arena in Andheri yesterday
Idnia host sub-continent neighbours Nepal in an international friendly at Mumbai Football Arena in Andheri today with both teams vying for crucial game time ahead of their 2019 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) qualifier in a week's time.
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India, who beat Myanmar in their first Group A game in March, face Kyrgyzstan, who are tied with India on top of the group, in Bangalore on June 13. Nepal, who will also play their Group F qualifier against Yemen on the same day, agreed to play the friendly on short notice after Lebanon backed off to play a friendly against India due to visa issues.
Out of 18 matches played between the two sides, the hosts have won 12 times, shared points on four occasions and lost twice. India head coach Stephen Constantine feels that even though The Gorkhalis have been constant under performers, the hosts won't take the encounter lightly.
"Nepal is a very hard working team. They give everything they have in every game they play. I know the mentality there, so we will expect the usual from them which is fight till they can't fight anymore.
India coach Stephen Constantine
'Different challenge'
"Every team has a different challenge and we will face different problems from them. The most important thing for us is to play the game," the Englishman told reporters at the pre-match conference yesterday. Constantine also revealed star striker Sunil Chhetri, currently recuperating from a hamstring injury, will not be part of the friendly and goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhi will lead his side. "I am just trying to protect him. He is not 22 anymore," he said.
Vineeth, Udanta to miss out
Meanwhile, wingers CK Vineeth and Udanta Singh too won't be available for selection due to injury. The gaffer though wishes to see a good performance from the other players. "I hope to see players who vie for the starting XI put up a good show so I can assess them for the game against Kyrgyz Republic which is a very important match for us," Constantine added.
Live on TV
India vs Nepal: Star Sports 2, 19:00
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