The Indian football team has started intense training in Shillong as they gear up for their crucial Asian Cup Qualifiers match against Bangladesh on March 25. Before this high-stakes encounter, the team will play a friendly match against the Maldives on Wednesday, which will serve as a key preparatory game for the Asian Cup Qualifiers. The players are focusing on match fitness and strategies to ensure they are in peak form for this important tournament.
Rahul Bheke on Team’s Preparations
Defender Rahul Bheke, who scored in India’s last match against Malaysia, spoke about the team’s training progress ahead of the Asian Cup Qualifiers. “We have had two strong training sessions, and we still have two more days before the friendly against the Maldives, which will help us prepare well for Bangladesh,” he said. According to Bheke, Maldives will be a strong challenge as their playing style is similar to Bangladesh, making this an ideal test before the Asian Cup Qualifiers.
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Maldives Team Arrives for Friendly
The Maldives national team, consisting of 22 players, landed in Shillong on Sunday to prepare for the upcoming friendly, a key match before the Asian Cup Qualifiers. They will hold two training sessions in Shillong, with their first session already taking place at SSA Stadium. The game against India will be crucial for both sides, as they look to fine-tune their tactics and team coordination ahead of their respective Asian Cup Qualifiers campaigns.
Bheke on Facing Maldives and Bangladesh
Bheke has experience playing against both the Maldives and Bangladesh and believes both teams have improved significantly over the years. “I have watched their recent matches, and they are strong sides aiming to qualify for the Asian Cup Qualifiers. These are two important home matches that we must win to boost our confidence,” he said. India’s objective remains clear: to secure a dominant performance in these games and carry momentum into the Asian Cup Qualifiers.
Excitement for Shillong Crowd
Shillong has always been a passionate football city, and the excitement is building ahead of the Asian Cup Qualifiers. Bheke, who has played in Shillong during his I-League and ISL days, expressed his enthusiasm about playing here again. “The weather is great, and the pitch conditions are ideal. During the ISL, the stadium was packed with fans, and we hope for the same energy and support in these matches,” he shared. A strong home crowd will be a crucial advantage for India as they prepare for the Asian Cup Qualifiers.
Sunil Chhetri’s Return Strengthens the Team
Bheke also spoke about the surprise return of Sunil Chhetri to the national team, a significant morale boost ahead of the Asian Cup Qualifiers. “None of us knew about it until he announced it at Bengaluru FC training. His return is great for the team because he is the top Indian goalscorer in the league. His leadership on and off the field will help us tremendously,” Bheke stated. Chhetri’s presence will provide experience and stability as India aims for a strong campaign in the Asian Cup Qualifiers.
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