Sunil Chhetri has been named as the captain of the Indian football team that is going to play in the upcoming AFC Challenge Cup. Also Syed Rahim Nabi has been named as his deputy in the squad. Announcing this, the head coach Savio medeira said
Both Sunil and Nabi are quality players. They have earned the respect of every one, by their team play and leadership quality.
Showing confidence in the capability of these two players, the coach further added,
Sunil did a good job last December at the SAFF Championship, where he led from the front. Sunil has matured a lot. While Nabi has been one of the consistent performers for India in the recent times and has an experience to Captain at the club level.
Sunil Chhetri is quite happy and proud for having given this role in the team. He says,
It’s a matter of pride and great responsibility to lead the country in such an important tournament. I feel privileged for such an honour. I would try my best to win the title and qualify for the Asian Cup
India reached Kathmandu with a 23-member squad and full support staff on Sunday. The AFC Challenge Cup kicks-off on 8th of March and India will play Tajikistan (FIFA Rank 140) in their opening match on 9th of March
The team is as follow:
Goalkeepers: Karanjit Singh, Subhasish Roychowdhury, Arindam Bhattacharya.
Defenders: Nirmal Chhetri, Raju Gaikwad, Sameer Naik, Gourmangi Singh, Anwar Ali, Kinsukh Debnath, Syed Rahim Nabi (Vice Capt.), Gurjinder Singh.
Midfielders: Adil Khan, Anthony Pereira, Reisangmi Vashum, Rocus Lamare, Francis Fernandes, Jewel Raja, Lenny Rodrigues, Lalrindika Ralte.
Forwards: Sunil Chhetri (Capt.), Sushil Singh, CS Sabeeth, Joaquim Abranches.
