Manolo Marquez, the new head coach of the Indian men’s national football team, is set to make his debut on the sidelines when India participates in the three-nation Intercontinental Cup, scheduled for September 3-9 in Hyderabad. India, currently ranked 124th in the FIFA rankings, will face Syria (ranked 93rd) and Mauritius (ranked 179th) in the competition.
Marquez, who announced a list of 26 players for India’s preparatory camp beginning on August 31st, expressed his excitement about the camp, stating, “We are very excited about our first preparatory camp and I know it will be the same for the players.” He also emphasized that the team rankings are not the primary focus, saying, “We need to work all together in the same direction to find the correct group of players and their predisposition will be very good, something I am completely sure about.”
With the absence of veteran captain and India’s all-time leading goalscorer, Sunil Chhetri, Marquez has prioritized building a new team, selecting a squad that features some surprising additions.
One of the key players to watch is forward Kiyan Nassiri, a rising star aiming to spearhead the next generation of Indian football. The 23-year-old has signed a three-year contract with Indian Super League side Chennaiyin FC for the upcoming season, after a successful stint with Mohun Bagan Super Giant. Nassiri made his top-tier debut in 2021 and has since represented Mohun Bagan in various competitions, scoring nine goals and providing two assists. His impressive performances include winning multiple titles, including the ISL League Winners Shield, ISL Championship, and the Durand Cup. He notably scored a hat-trick against arch-rival East Bengal FC in 2022, becoming the youngest player to achieve this feat in the ISL.
Another exciting prospect is midfielder Lalthathanga Khawlhring, also known as Puitea. He made his professional debut in 2017 for I-League club DSK Shivajians before joining ISL side NorthEast United FC. After a loan spell with Aizwal FC, he returned to NEUFC and later played for Kerala Blasters FC, forming a strong partnership with Jeakson Singh in midfield. His contributions were crucial in Kerala Blasters’ run to the final in the 2021-22 season. He then joined ATK Mohun Bagan FC (now MBSG), where he won the ISL Championship after defeating Bengaluru FC in the final.
Following his successful stints at top clubs, Puitea was signed by Odisha FC on a three-year deal for an undisclosed club-record transfer fee ahead of the 2023-24 season. He has since made 35 appearances for Odisha FC across various competitions, scoring three goals and providing one assist.
As Marquez embarks on his journey with the Indian national team, the presence of these talented young players like Nassiri and Khawlhring signals a new era for Indian football, one filled with potential and promise. The Intercontinental Cup offers a crucial opportunity for these players to showcase their skills on the international stage and prove their worth as future leaders of the Indian national team.
