Missed chances force 127th-ranked India to surrender to 157th-ranked Hong Kong! Parth Jindal raises his voice against the system
A 94th-minute spot-kick guided Hong Kong to a 1-0 win against India in their AFC Asian Cup qualifier at the Kai Tak Sports Park on Tuesday. Ashley Westwood’s team goes top of Group C with four points in two matches while India are languishing at the bottom of the table with two points from two matches. Manolo Marquez’s wait for his first competitive win with India continues. Hong Kong obtained the spot-kick after Vishal Kaith fouled Udebuluzor as both came to catch the ball, and the referee pointed to the spot. Pereira shoots low to Kaith’s right. Kaith goes the wrong way as the ball hits the inside of the net. Despite playing against strong home support, India were able to create some scoring opportunities in the first 45 minutes. But as usual, finishing let the Blue Tigers down. Both teams registered two shots on target in the first-half. The scenario in the second session was almost the same with India failing to utilize opportunities and struggling to defend opposition counter-attacks. Ashique Kuruniyan’s name should be mentioned in particular who squandered the golden sitter in the second half. Sunil Chhetri substituted Ashique Kuruniyan in the 56th minute but failed to impress. Significantly, founder of JSW Sports and owner of Bengaluru FC Parth Jindal, disappointed with the senior national team’s performance choose social media to express his frustration. He has written in his post, ‘This is completely unacceptable @Indianfootball-just not good enough under any circumstances – deep introspection needed by the AIFF – this is not what all of us lovers and backers of Indian football have spent our hard-earned money and effort to witness – get a manager and a system that works – it’s high time – there is too much effort to see a result like this. India’s experienced defender Sandesh Jinghan however still has hopes of qualifying for the Asian Cup! In a post-match media interaction, he said, “There are still four more matches. I have trust in this team. I believe in my boys and we will give our best and finally, if god wishes then we will be in the Asian Cup.”
Moosa happy with the exposure against stronger teams; Wants to scout I-League footballers also
Sudeep Pakrashi: Naushad Moosa thanks the All India Football Federation (AIFF) for organizing two preparatory matches for his Under-23 national team against two stronger teams. The Indian Under-23 national team will play against Tajikistan and Kyrghyz Republic on June 18th and 21st, respectively, at Dushanbe, Tajikistan. Moosa while speaking from Guwahati revealed, “Last time the national Under-23 boys had two preparatory matches against Malaysia under-23. We lost one and drew in other match. But this time, both teams, Tajikistan and Kyrghyz Republic are much stronger than us, and playing against them should benefit our boys a lot. Simultaneously, as a coach, I will also be able to make an assessment of the team’s strength.” Compared to the under-23 national side last year, Moosa who also was the chief coach of the under-23 national team, feels the 29 probables who have been called up in the two-week preparatory camp starting from 1st June in Kolkata, are more young and have potential in number compared to the team. “Most of the footballers who were playing in the ISL were in the under-23 national team last year. This year, potential but young footballers are more in number. A reason is there behind choosing these probales as our aim is to construct a formidable team before the under-23 Asian Cup qualifiers to be held later this year and the Asian Games next year in Japan. So it is a long-term plan to develop the young, potential footballers for the future,” added Moosa. The 53-year-old coach, who works with NorthEast United FC in the ISL, is also planning to observe the forthcoming Durand Cup with a purpose of scouting performers from the tournament. “I want to see the footballers from I-League teams also,” said Moosa. However, the coach believes that this time the preparation will be even more exciting, as it offers a unique opportunity to work closely with talented young footballers and help them unlock their full potential. With the right guidance and hard work, he’s confident these players will rise to the challenge.
