The Indian men’s national football team is entering a new era under the familiar face of Manolo Marquez. After a three-month hiatus, the Blue Tigers are back in action, gearing up to face Mauritius in the 2024 Intercontinental Cup at the G. M. C. Balayogi Athletic Stadium on Tuesday. This match marks India’s first competitive outing since their 1-2 defeat against Qatar in the 2026 FIFA World Cup second-round qualifier, where they finished third in their group. With Igor Stimac’s departure as head coach, India seeks to move forward with experienced Manolo at the helm.
While Mauritius enters the tournament as the underdog, with a FIFA ranking of 173 compared to India’s 124th, rankings can be deceiving. Despite facing a limited two training sessions, Manolo aims for a dominant start. Mauritius, however, poses a threat, having recently defeated a higher-ranked Eswatini in a World Cup qualifier.
Manolo’s 25-man squad boasts a formidable attacking lineup featuring familiar faces like Liston Colaco, Lallianzuala Chhangte, and Manvir Singh, with Sahal Abdul Samad playing as the central attacking midfielder. There’s a chance for 23-year-old Kiyan Nassiri and 26-year-old Lalthathanga Khawlring to make their India debuts, showcasing Manolo’s penchant for surprises.
In defense, Anwar Ali and Rahul Bheke are expected to lead the backline, while Manolo might experiment with Chingelsana Singh in the heart of the defense. Jay Gupta and Nikhil Poojary will operate as fullbacks.
Mauritius, under coach Guillaume Moullec, boasts experienced players like captain Kevin Jean Louis in goal. French youth international Lindsay Rose, known for his versatility, can play both as a center-back and full-back. He will be crucial in neutralizing India’s attacking threats. In midfield, Jeremy Villeneuve and Adel Langue will be key players, while Yannick Aristide, Adrien Botlar, Gabriel Calliste, and Aurelien Francois will lead the attack.
The Mauritians have a full squad available, while India has a slight setback with Mohammad Yasir missing due to injury. Manolo, who led Hyderabad FC to the Indian Super League title in 2021/22, begins his national team journey in the same city. He’s aiming for success with the support of the home crowd. It’s a new chapter for the Blue Tigers, and the outcome of this match will determine whether they will roar under Manolo’s leadership or face an upset from the determined Mauritians.
