2014 AFC Women's Asian Cup qualifiers: Anadi Barua to continue as India Women's National Coach!

The Indian Women's national football team will be coached by Anadi Barua in the 2014 AFC Women's Asian Cup qualifiers in which India face hosts Palestine, Myanmar and Chinese Taipei in May 2013.

The qualifying Group D would be played at the Faisal Al Huseni Stadium in the West Bank, Palestine. India open against Myanmar (May 21), then face Chinese Taipei (May 23) and then the hosts Palestine (May 25) in the final.

The AIFF meanwhile have called-up 36 players for the India Women's team probables camp to be held in Pune from April 1 ahead of the qualifiers. The team will visit Nepal and Bahrain before proceeding to Palestine for the qualifiers.


INDIA Women's Probables

Goalkeepers
Swarnamayee Samal, Roshini Devi, Tikina Samal, Usharani Das

Defenders
Romi Devi, Ashalata Devi, Rashmita Patra, Suprava Samal, G. Radharani Devi, Tuli Goon, Lako Phuti Bhutia, Rebika Devi, Bijaya Devi, Ansha

Midfielders
Kamal Devi, Premi Devi, Supriya Routray, Manisha Panna, Nikhila Thumbayil, Amoolya Kamal, Montessori Chanu, O. Bembem Devi, Subhaprava Rout, Margaret Devi, Paromita Sit

Forwards
Prameshwori Devi, Nima Lamhu Bhutia, Rinaroy Devi, Jyoti Burret, Swati Rawat, D. Grace, Pinky Bompal Magar, Sasmita Mallick, Sangita Basfore, L. Naobi Chanu

Officials
Anadi Barua (Coach), Surmala Chanu (Assistant Coach), Chitra Gangadharan (Goalkeeping Coach), Dimple (Physio), Indu Choudhary (Manager)

VIDEO: Myanmar 1-0 India winner goal!

India suffered a 0-1 loss against hosts Myanmar in their final Group A qualifying match for the 2014 AFC Challenge Cup at the Yangon Training Centre yesterday. Here the goal substitute Soe Min Oo scored in the 75th minute.

2014 AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers: Myanmar beat India

India suffered a 0-1 loss against hosts Myanmar in their final Group A qualifying match for the 2014 AFC Challenge Cup at the Yangon Training Centre. Substitute Soe Min Oo made the difference between the two teams in the 75th minute.

Courtesy the victory, Myanmar topped Group A with seven points and qualified for the final phase of the Tournament to be played in Maldives in 2014. India finished second on six points and have to wait for a few more days and finish as one of the two top second-placed teams.

"We have ourselves to blame. We just couldn't keep the ball and gave it away too often. It was a must-win match for Myanmar," a disappointed National Coach Wim Koevermans said after the match.

"But at the same time, we had three positive chances in the first-half and one in the second-half which hit the post. Against a team as Myanmar, you need to capitalise on them. If not, you will be punished. I congratulate Myanmar for the performance," he added. Myanmar were also alert to have made a goalline save in the dying minutes.

You can never counter what Koevermans said. India did start on a positive note. In the first half, they played the tactical game preferring to wait at times and trying to exploit the gaps in the Myanmar midfield. There was a penchant for stretching it to the flanks and the ploy worked. If you simply go by the number of chances created in the first half, the Indians had "three positive ones" each of them which could have yielded a goal.

The first one came in the 16th minute when Clifford Miranda's powerful blaster from inside the box thundered against the boards instead of the next. The next one came in the 43rd minute - Clifford, well placed inside the box to take a cracker, tried to find Sunil Chhetri allowing the Myanmar defence to recover. In the very next minute, Mehtab Hossain's through set up Jewel Raja on the right. Jewel entered the box with Sunil preferring to do the dummy. Much to the relief of the crowd, Jewel preferred to find Sunil rather than going himself and both the teams went into the resumption goalless.

These apart, there were series of corners earned in the first half along with a number of throw-ins around the Myanmar box, all of which were floated in by Raju Gaikwad. The closest India came was in the 35th minute when his throw venomously dipped and beat all even as Sunil Chhetri tried to flick it in.

Myanmar were quick in their counter-attacks. Gurjinder Kumar was yellow carded for tripping Kyi Lin from behind in the 17th minute. Lin was initiating a counter attack and had with a deft turn, got past Gurjinder.

Post resumption, Myanmar were off the blocks faster. The first positive chance came in the 51st minute but Subrata Pal, till then, not tested in the match kept at bay a Kyi Lin low shot. The nippy Lin interchanged all throughout and in the very next minute almost laid the platform for Myanmar to take the lead but Kaw Zayar Win failed to tap in Lin's through from close. They were tense moments in the Indian camp and obviously, the decibel levels rose.

The Indians tried to regroup. Intercepting a counter-attack, Chhetri laid it for Jewel in the box but the latter instead tried to find Chhetri instead of pulling the trigger.

In between, Denzil Franco was yellow-carded for pushing David Htan on the far right and then, Gouramangi Singh was yellow carded for tripping substitute Soe Min Oo just outside the box. But Myanmar failed to capitalise. Instead, Jewel almost put India in the lead. He latched on to the second ball off a Raju throw but his prompt right-footer hit the post and bounced back.

The goal came in the 75th minute. Myanmar, pressing hard, managed to float it in the box from the left and Soe Min Oo scored from a melee.

In the 80th minute, Arata followed a Raju throw-in and tapped in from close but only for defender Zaw Min to make a goalline save. Myanmar managed to hold on till the end.

There was pin drop silence in the team bus on way back to the Team Hotel. But as Koevermans summed it up: "We have ourselves to blame."


MATCH STATS

Myanmar 1-0 (0-0) India - Goals: 1-0 Soe Min Oo (75')

Myanmar
1-Thiha Si Thu [C] - 3-Zaw Min Htun, 12-Aung Hein Kyaw, 13-Yan Aung Win, 36-Thet Naing - 6-Yan Aung Kyaw, 7-Yar Zar Win Thein, 8-Kyi Lin, 14-David Htan, 29-Paing Soe - 9-Yaza Win Thein

India
1-Subrata Pal - 2-Denzil Franco, 19-Gouramangi Moirangthem Singh, 3-Raju Eknath Gaikwad, 31-Gurjinder Kumar Singh - 10-Francis Fernandes (83' 22-Syed Rahim Nabi), 6-Lenny Rodrigues (71' ?-Izumi Arata, 7-Mehtab Hossain, 15-Clifford Miranda - 23-Jewel Raja Sheikh (77' 24-Robin Singh) - 11-Sunil Chhetri [C]

2014 AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers: India to give '200 percent' for Mission Possible against Myanmar

India coach Wim Koevermans watched Myanmar after both of India's matches at the Yangon Training Centre. The boys watched them on a local television channel in their rooms. "They are a very tough team," all agree.

"At the back of the mind, you may be forced to think about a draw which will see us through. But we won't play for a draw," Koevermans utters to his boys.

For the record, India are top of the Group with six points from two matches while Myanmar, placed second are on four points. The top team from the Group qualifies for the 2014 AFC Challenge Cup which is to be held in Maldives, while two of the five best runners-up also qualify.

"In such a match, there's no place for any errors on the field. We need to keep possession and not give it away easily. In the last two matches, we have been casual at times to gift away the ball to our rivals. Against Myanmar, we can't do that," Mehtab Hossain who has been omnipresent on the green in the last two matches, echoes.

There are others too who are sitting in his room – Captain Sunil Chhetri, Syed Rahim Nabi, Shouvik Ghosh and Alwyn George.

"Let's not forget they will have support from the stands and from what we saw, it's a noisy crowd. Teams when backed by passionate fans can be very dangerous. That stays a big challenge for us," Chhetri echoes.

"It's an ultimate test for our temperament. In such a match, we need to give our 200 percent. And we will," Mehtab joins the conversation again. "It's understandable, they will go all out, they have little option."

Nabi adds, "Myanmar have their back to the wall. Such teams are very dangerous. They have nothing to lose at the moment. As Coach has said, we won't play for a draw. We just can't."

"We need to begin from where we finished the Guam match," goalkeeper Subrata Pal mentions. "The match reminds me of our last Group League match in the AFC Challenge Cup against Turkmenistan in 2008 in Hyderabad. A draw could have seen us through but we won the match and then went on to beat Myanmar in the semis," he recollects. "We need to qualify at any cost."

"This match will define the next four years for us. If we don't go through, the doors of the Asian Cup 2015 will be closed for us. We will then have to wait for the next edition which will be held in 2019," Nabi pronounces. Chhetri walks up to put his hand on Nabi's shoulder. "Sunil, we cannot let this chance go," Nabi goes on. Chhetri taps his shoulder again. Mehtab was checking the studs of his boots by then.

"We've watched Myanmar and will stick to our Coach's instructions. We have toiled hard to reach to this stage. The next 90 minutes will be defining," Arata Izumi maintains.

"More than proving to others, it's more of a match to prove to yourself that you can," Mehtab opines. "They will be under immense pressure. We have to capitalise on that," Nabi complements him.

Despite playing two matches in three days, there's a buzz in everyone's steps. Even as the Medical Staff carry out the regular recovery sessions, everyone talks about the mission ahead; and they know, it's not impossible.

We turn to the 'baby' of the team – Gurjinder Kumar. Gurjinder has shown composure in his first two International matches and he too knows the importance of the match. "We had a meeting among the defenders. Paul's running commentary guides me on the field a lot as does Gouramangi's instructions," he informs. "I'm more mature as a player and feel so much confident after being picked for the National Team."

Clifford Miranda joins in. When reminded of his two goals in last three International matches, he smiles. "We have to believe in ourselves and play to our potential. There's no reason why we can't. After all, we have come here with that sole aim," he declares. There's appreciation from everyone.

The squad has been staying away from their families for almost a month. And though a Preparatory Camp followed by a Tournament may seem a glamorous one, reality bites. In a diversified country as India where every player, perhaps has a different eating habit, the food in Myanmar, though off good quality, hasn't suited taste buds of many. But they have never complained.

It's all for the mission, a mission which they know isn't impossible. But to overcome it, you need to be together.

(Report & Photo courtesy AIFF Media)

Sunil Chhetri: Motivation level stays high in such matches

India Captain Sunil Chhetri who scored two goals against Guam in India's last match of the AFC 2014 Challenge Cup qualifiers feels the 'team plays well in such matches'. A day prior to the big day, Chhetri spoke at length to AIFF Media about what needs to be done, the intensity of the situation, the mood in the camp, his perception about Myanmar and much more.


What needs to be done in such a situation?

In such a Tournament, we need to realise that everything which we have done till now will nullify if we don't qualify from this Group – right from the Pune camp to the high intensity practice sessions to the two victories in two matches – everything will be valueless. We need to be very careful and aim for what we want to achieve.


What has been your perception about Myanmar?

They are a very tough team with good technical qualities. Let's not forget that they will be playing at home and be backed by a vociferous hostile support. But at the same time, we need to remember that we have bettered ourselves in the last two games. Everyone is ready for the task.


What is the mood in the Camp at present?

We are confident after the back to back victories which we achieved against Chinese Taipei and Guam. I personally believe we play well in such kind of matches as you are automatically charged up and the motivation level also stays high.


How does it feel to be back among goals?

(Smiles). Scoring goals makes me happy – in fact, that's a worldwide trend. I missed a couple of chances in the first match and getting two goals to my name adds to my confidence. I will try my best to find the back of the rival net in the match against Myanmar. But it just doesn't matter as to who scores as long as we qualify and achieve our aim.


Is Captaincy an added responsibility?

I had never believed it earlier but am feeling the responsibility a bit more now at the moment. I don’t know how good or bad I am, but am going my best to do my job. I need to admit that having players from the same batch – Subrata Pal, Syed Rahim Nabi, Gouramangi Singh, Syed Rahim Nabi, Mehtab Hossain makes my job easier.

(Interview & Photo courtesy AIFF Media)

Wim Koevermans: We could have scored ten goals!

"We had aimed for three points and we have achieved it," National Coach Wim Koevermans pronounced at the post-match Press Conference after India's 4-0 win against Guam at the Yangon Training Centre earlier today.

"We could have scored more goals but it was Guam who had the first chance of the match when one of their shots hit the post and went out," he added. "That was a wake-up call for us."

"But after that, we took control and there was hardly any threat from our opponents. If you look back at the chances which we created, we could have scored more than 10 goals. But that's football," Wim maintained.

Referring to a question whether India can beat Myanmar, Koevermans quipped, "We are here to win. I feel every team is here to win too. It will be an interesting match for sure. But we have beaten higher-ranked teams in the recent past and we take inspiration from it."

"We gave away the ball a bit too easily at times," Wim maintained coming back to the Guam match. "There was pressure on the players as this was a must-win match for us. We had our chances but just couldn't score,” Wim reiterated.

In the end India won, while Myanmar were held to a surprise one-all draw by Chinese Taipei which leaves India at the top with six points.

2014 AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers: India beat 4-0 against Guam

Team India won their second match in the Group A qualifiers for the 2014 AFC Challenge Cup, but India had to wait until the second half though in the end winning 4-0 against Guam at the Thuwanna Yangon Training Centre Stadium in Yangon, Myanmar. India now have six points from two matches.

Captain Sunil Chhetri opened the scoring in the 49th minute and scored another in injury-time, while Clifford Miranda and Jewel Raja Shaikh scored one apiece in the 68th and the 80th minute respectively.

After a goalless first half, Chhetri drew the first blood four minutes after resumption. He followed Lenny Rodrigues' through pass, beat the off-side trap and slotted it past the rival goalkeeper Douglas Herrick, much to the relief of all. And then the floodgates opened. The second one came in the 68th minute with Clifford Miranda blasting home his left-footer after being set up by Mehtab Hossain.

Jewel placed the third goal to perfection after being found unmarked inside the box by substitute C.K. Vineeth while Chhetri scored the fourth, heading in a Mehtab Hossain corner in the first minute of injurz time. Todaz's goals took Chhetri's tally of international goals to 40, two short of India's all-time record holder, former India Captain Baichung Bhutia.

It was a tactical display by the Indians against Guam, who at times looked ultra-defensive. Finding it difficult to break free among the crowd of legs, the Indians preferred to use the flanks in the second half and opened-up the rivals.

But one needs to mention that India were not off to the perfect start. Guam, physical, seized the early initiative and threatened to frustrate the Indians in the midfield. The plot worked for them and as early as the 8th minute, Jonahan Romero’s shot beat a diving Subrata Pal, hit the post and went out. It was the wake-up call for India.

India had their first chance in the 19th minute when Syed Rahim Nabi set up Jewel Raja Sheikh inside the box. Jewel trapped it, sidestepped Guam's central defender Travis Nicklaw but shot wide. Two minutes later, Chhetri, playing an one-two with Nabi entered the box but Herrick was up to the task.

The Indians laboured hard and halfway into the first half, they were omnipresent on the field. Guam, by the 35th minute itself, had fallen down to defend. At times, you could find all of their eleven players in their own half. Once around the box, it was hard to find the route, the jungle crowd of legs making it all the more difficult for India.

There were a series of corners which India earned but it didn't yield any result. In the 39th minute, a counter-attack saw Mehtab Hossain feed Chhetri inside the box but the fate didn't change as both teams went to the resumption with a clean slate.

Changing over, the urgency was visible right from the kick-off. In the 46th minute, Lenny set up Clifford Miranda inside the box but his powerful shot narrowly sailed over. And almost immediately, India surged ahead. Lenny split the rival defence which saw Chhetri beat the off-side trap and with all the time in the World at his disposal, slotting it past Herrick wasn't much of a task. It was a relief, a much-needed one for India.

In the 56th minute, Mehtab found Clifford on the left flank but Jewel failed to tap Clifford's centre from inside the box. It sailed over. A minute later, a build-up from the back had Guam chasing all quarters. It ended with Lenny Rodrigues' shot missing the upright narrowly. And then in the 58th minute, Chhetri's powerful header off a Raju Gaikwad throw-in narrowly sailed over again, the third one in three consecutive minutes. The trend continued - in the 67th minute, a Denzil floater found Jewel with only the goalkeeper to beat, he too tapped over. But it was not for long that Guam could hold on. The goal which was very much inevitable came in the 68th minute – this time Clifford Miranda blasting it home.

Substitute C.K. Vineeth had, perhaps, the best chance in the second half but he couldn't find the target with only Herrick to beat with what was his first touch on the ball.

It didn’t prove costly as Jewel scored India's third goal in the 80th minute, his second one in consecutive matches. But more was in store. A trademark Chhetri header found the back of the Guam net in the first minute of injury-time – India winning 4-0.

Team India in their final group match play hosts Myanmar on March 6.


MATCH STATS

INDIA 4-0 (0-0) Guam - Goals: 1-0,4-0 Sunil Chhetri (49',90+1'), 2-0 Clifford Miranda (68'), 3-0 Jewel Raja Shaikh (80')

1-Subrata Pal - 2-Denzil Franco, 19-Gouramangi Moirangthem Singh, 3-Raju Eknath Gaikwad, 31-Gurjinder Kumar Singh - 22-Syed Rahim Nabi (46' 10-Francis Fernandes), 6-Lenny Rodrigues (61' ?-Izumi Arata), 7-Mehtab Hossain, 15-Clifford Miranda (75' ?-C.K. Vineeth) - 23-Jewel Raja Sheikh - 11-Sunil Chhetri [C]

2014 AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers: India score injury-time winner against Chinese Taipei

In their opening match of the Group A qualifiers for the 2014 AFC Challenge Cup, Team India needed an injury time winner to win 2-1 against Chinese Taipei at the Thuwanna Yangon Training Centre Stadium in Yangon, Myanmar.

Midfielder Jewel Raja Shaikh put India ahead in the 40th minute while substitute Robin Singh headed in the winner in the first minute of injurz time. In between, Lee Tai Lin has equalised for Chinese Taipei in the 54th minute.

After a series of raids at the rival citadel, India finally surged ahead in the 40th minute. Jewel who was playing with one-twos with Chhetri with much aplomb slipped past the two rival Central defenders, trapped Chhetri's through with poise and sent it past the rival goalkeeper Lun Kun Chi.

The last 15 minutes prior to the goal, it was all about India. In the 25th minute, Gouramangi Singh followed Clifford Miranda's corner but his header deflected for a corner. The resultant two corners went abegging and then in the 38th minute, Mehtab Hossain's long-ranger was fisted out.

In this phase earned India five corners and debutant Gurjinder Kumar came agonisingly close to heading one in but the ball hit his top of the head and going the other way.

It wasn't about the corners alone. India played to a plan and from the stands it seemed it was tactic-board football on the lush green. The synchronisation was just about perfect with everyone having two options as supports, be it wherever in the field. They were willing to roam around, slow it down, build it from the back and look for the runs and one-twos. Possession once gained was not to be lost with Chinese Taipei chasing them.

Earlier, India began on a cautious note. Not willing to let open much, they were content to play the waiting game. And then slowly, they took control. The midfield played among themselves allowing Chhetri and Jewel to time their runs. Francis Fernandes and Nirmal Chhetri did break free a couple of occasions down the right but the rival defence recovered in time.

This apart, India had two more chances – Raju Gaikwad's throw in the 20th minute dipped alarmingly to beat all in the rival box but the flurry of legs didn’t allow any Blue to tap it in and then Mehtab Hossain was set up by Sunil Chhetri inside the rival box but the Taipei goalkeeper Lu Kun Chi anticipated it in time. Chinese Taipei defended and depended on counters and much against the run of play had almost scored in the 11th minute but an alert Subrata Paul was acrobatic enough to tap over a Chen Yi Wei freekick from outside the box.

But the complexion changed almost immediately after resumption. Chinese Taipei equalised in the 54th minute – Lee Tai Lin heading in Su De Cai's corner. The goal pushed the Indians on the backfoot and all of a sudden, Taipei, for a brief period, had a bit more of the possession.

But not for long! The Indians regrouped fast. AIFF Player-of-the-Year Syed Rahim Nabi replaced Francis Fernandes in the 68th minute and the Indians seemed to be playing all over by then. But with the entire Chinese Taipei team having fallen back by then, breaking through seemed difficult.

Wim Koevermans brought on Robin Singh in place of Jewel in the 82nd minute and with India attacking down the middle and the two flanks, the goal seemed inevitable.

The wait ended in the first minute of injury-time when Robin leaped high to head in Nabi's centre from the right. India won 2-1, a "deserving win", as Koevermans said at the post-match Press Conference.

The fighting spirit of the boys and the manner they pressed till the dead end deserve praise. "It's a big day for us. We need to win," Chhetri had uttered the moment he had stepped out for the breakfast. And they did!

India next play Guam on March 4 and look forward to another win.



MATCH STATS

INDIA 2-1 (1-0) Chinese Taipei - Goals: 1-0 Jewel Raja Sheikh (23'), 1-1 Lee Tai Lin (54'), 2-1 Robin Singh (90+1')

INDIA
1-Subrata Pal - 4-Nirmal Chettri, 19-Gouramangi Moirangthem Singh, 3-Raju Eknath Gaikwad, 31-Gurjinder Kumar Singh - 10-Francis Fernandes (68' 22-Syed Rahim Nabi), 6-Lenny Rodrigues, 7-Mehtab Hossain, 15-Clifford Miranda - 23-Jewel Raja Sheikh (82' Robin Singh) - 11-Sunil Chhetri [C]

Guam Squad for 2014 AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers

Guam have finalised their squad for the 2014 AFC Challenge Cup Group A qualifiers in which they would face India, Chinese Taipei and Guam.

The pacific islanders are considered the minnows in the group, but under coach Gary John White they have improved a lot and have brought in player of Guam origin to strengthen the squad.


GUAM

Goalkeepers
Doug Herrick (Seattle Sounders FC U-23, USA), Dallas Jaye (United States University of South Florida, USA)

Defenders
Dominic Gadia (Cars Plus, Guam), Mark Chargualaf (Table 35 Espada, Guam), Scott Leon Guerrero (Quality Distributors, Guam), Micah Paulino (Niagara University, USA), Christian Schweizer (Table 35 Espada, Guam), Jonahan Romero (Kaya, Philippines), Shawn Nicklaw (HB Køge, Denmark)

Midfielders
Jason Cunliffe (Captain | Pachanga, Philippines), Ian Mariano (Pachanga, Philippines), Dylan Naputi (Table 35 Espada, Guam), Ian Adamos (SoCal Elite, USA), Marcus Lopez (Guam Shipyard, Guam), Ryan Guy (New England Revolution, USA), Thaddeus Atalig (Table 35 Espad, Guam), Travis Nicklaw (San Diego State University, USA), John Matkin (United Sikkim FC, India)

Strikers
Zachary DeVille (California State University, Northridge, USA), Sean Navarro, David Nussbaum, Jorge Valenzo

Officials
Gary John White (Head Coach)

Myanmar Squad for 2014 AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers

The hosts Myanmar of the 2014 AFC Challenge Cup Group A qualifiers have finalised their squad for the tournament in which they would face India, Chinese Taipei and Guam.

The hosts hope to take advantage of playing at home and moving into the final round of the tournament in the Maldives next year.


MYANMAR

Goalkeepers
Thiha Si Thu (Yadanarbon), Kyaw Zin Phyo (Magwe), Pyae Phyo Aung (Southern Myanmar)

Defenders
Yan Aung Win (Yadanarbon), Zaw Min Htun (Yadanarbon), Thet Naing (Yadanarbon), Ye Zaw Htet Aung (Yadanarbon), Zaw Zaw Oo (Ayeyawady), Moe Win(Naypyidaw), Thein Than Win (Kanbawza), Aung Hein Kyaw (Zeyar Shwe Myay)

Midfielders
Phyo Ko Ko Thein (Ayeyarwady), Nyi Nyi Min (Ayeyarwady), Naing Lin Oo (Ayeyarwady), Yan Aung Kyaw (Yangon), Yar Zar Win Thein (Yangon), Kyi Lin (Yangon), David Htan (Yangon), Khin Maung Lwin (Yangon), Myo Zaw Oo (Myanmar Magway)

Strikers
Kyaw Ko Ko (Yangon), Kaung Si Thu (Yadanarbon), Kyaw Zeyar Win (Kanbawza), Soe Min Oo (Kanbawza), Paing Soe (Yadanarbon)

Officials
Park Sung Wha (Coach)

2014 AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers: India ready for Chinese Taipei challenge!

"Come over boys", coach Wim Koevermans gestures with his hand. And then it's a sprint for Team India to get to him.

"I'm happy with the intensity. Only be careful, don't ever switch-off, even in practice. Even if you switch-off for three seconds, you're gone," Wim says in one breath. Some have hands on their hips, some have them folded back; most wipe off the sweat, but all listen.

"OK. Now's let get back," Koevermans utters. Again, you just cannot miss the sprint. And then, it begins. Lenny Rodrigues to Francis Fernandes, back to Lenny, forward to Alwyn George, an one-two with Jeje Lalpekhlua, back to Jeje, a floater to Alwyn and he volleys it in. Everyone claps, Koevermans whistles.

The clean and green of Yangon will strike you at every step. Once a part of undivided India, some of the Houses built during the British regime will remind you of good old Kolkata. But more than Kolkata, it's the Dooars which hit you at every step, specially the Houses. Gouramangi Singh says, "It's more like Manipur," while Syed Rahim Nabi admits, "We will never have this back in Kolkata. Everyone is following the traffic rules. I haven't heard anyone honk as yet."

Rules? Well, they are always meant to be broken. "There can't be any fixed pattern of play," Koevermans stays consistent. "You need to adjust according to the situation." The videos keep the boys interested even as Koevermans' hands, nimble, shuffle the magnets on the tactical board.

You take a walk round the Official Team Hotel. Mehtab Hossain maintains, "The AFC Challenge Cup is the most important tournament for us." Cliffird Miranda agrees, "Very often, the first match of the Tournament sets the pace. We need to go all guns blazing against Chinese Taipei." Subrata Pal complements both. "We need to have confidence in ourselves. Nothing else matters. We are capable of doing it."

Captain Sunil Chhetri nods. "A team will always have mixed luck. We won the Nehru Cup as we played to our potential. Then, we were a bit rusty in the International Friendlies. But our quality stays. Had we not had them, we wouldn't have won the Nehru Cup, that too beating Cameroon in the Final, he pronounces. "We will do it," Denzil Franco echoes. Lenny, who with eyes wide open was switching his eyes from one to the other, was juggling with the ball by then. C.K. Vineeth didn't speak. He just listened.

You turn to Koevermans. "Have a drink, boys." This time, the boys don't sprint; rather they walk fast. You go nearby and overhear Clifford Miranda and C.K. Vineeth animated; discussing the timing of the release and the run. Nabi walks up to Jeje and puts his hand around him. "Your turn at that time was excellent."

Koevermans explains to his defenders, the set-pieces follow.

At the breakfast table, Lalkamal and Nabi, use the salt and pepper sprinkler to discuss a dummy run. Arata joins in and gets drawn into it. You watch from a distance. Till the other day, he had a Japanese passport but here he is, for India's cause, the country which he "wanted to represent".

It's one big family after all!

With match-day approaching the buzz increases. Sanjay Dhyani, the Kit Manager stays busy arranging the Match kit, the Manager Sriniwas Murthy busy with the Manager's meeting, Gigi George, the Team Physio and Dr. Manabendra Bhattacharya, the Team Doctor enquire about niggles. But there aren't any. In midst of everything, there's a queue in Masseur Liaqat Ali's room, boys lining up to get rejuvenated. The Manager runs again to check about the ice-bath.

Koevermans, till then, just can't take his eyes off the videos. When he does, he scribbles something on his notebook. He has his final XI written on it.

The kick-off at the Yangon Training Centre is at 4pm local time (3pm IST) tomorrow afternoon.

(Report & Photo courtesy AIFF Media)

Sunil Chhetri: I'll carry on doing my job!

It was at the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup that Sunil Chhetri announced his arrival in international football – his hattrick in the final earning India a ticket to 2011 AFC Asian Cup. Since then, he has been India's leading goal scorer and at the moment stays on 38 goals, four behind Baichung Bhutia's highest tally for an Indian at 42 goals. A day prior to India's first match in the 2014 AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers, the India captain spoke to AIFF Media about India's challenge, the areas where the team is focusing, reaction from the fans, India's opponents in the forthcoming tournament and much more.


Sunil Chhetri, they say, is synonymous with the AFC Challenge Cup.

(Smiles, shrugs his shoulder and smiles again). I just hope I can live up to the expectations. As a player it never comes to my mind as to which Tournament or match I am playing. I have always had one aim – to do well for my Country. This is a very important Tournament for us and we, as a team, will give everything we have.


Do you believe the fans are becoming a bit impatient and are starting to forget what we did in the Nehru Cup?

I'd say it's a normal reaction. Fans expect us to win every match and I don't blame them at all. It's all about the mentality. I try not to be bothered by it and carry on doing my job. Success and failures and the reaction will come and go.


It was a tale of two contrasting halves against Palestine – what do we need to do to maintain the momentum?

It was a tale of seven drastic minutes and we have nobody to blame. The positive part stays that we were the better team in the first half. But at this level, there can't be any room for excuses. We need to ensure that such a phase never hits us again. It's past for us but at the same time have taught us a lesson. We are working hard on that.


You have played both against Myanmar and even Chinese Taipei. What do you expect from them?

Chinese Taipei and Myanmar are very good teams especially Myanmar, as they are playing at home. We need to remember they would be backed by a vociferous crowd.

But first things first, and at the moment, we are concentrating on our first match against Chinese Taipei. We need to take one match at a time.


How much valuable is it for you to be moving to I-League tile-contenders Churchill Brothers on loan?

It's good but at the same time, it's an added pressure. There will be expectations as we are in contention to win the I-League this season. I have played two matches for them and am looking forward to joining them after the campaign in the AFC Challenge Cup 2014 (qualifiers).

(Interview & Photo courtesy AIFF Media)

India Coach Wim Koevermans: We are here to win!

Indian National Coach Wim Koevermans said India are here to "win the Tournament" to make his intentions clear at the qualifiers for the 2014 AFC Challenge Cup. Koevermans said this at the Official Pre-Tournament Press Conference in Yangon today.

"We aim to win every match which we play and that's no different for the AFC Challenge Cup," Koevermans said. "We have had a good Preparatory Camp for the Tournament in Pune. We landed early in Yangon to acclimatise to the conditions and the boys have responded well," he added.

"There are a lot of young players in India who have the capability to play at the highest level. This is a test for them as much it's a chance for me to assess their performance and how they react."

"Indians are very proud when it comes to the National Team. We are expected to win every match. We have a huge responsibility," he pronounced.

If the Indians have had a preparatory camp for two weeks, then their rivals in the tournament opener, Chinese Taipei head in the competition after a '40-day Camp'.

Koevermans' rival counterpart, Chinese Taipei coach Chen Kuel Jen meanwhile siad, "We have had a Preparatory Camp for 40 days and we are satisfied with the sessions. All the teams are equally strong in the Tournament. We have also spent time to learn about each of them."

"We play to a different style nowadays," Jen continued. "There are a whole lot of new players from the lot which played in the EAFF Championship in December 2012," he added. "We will try our best to qualify."

Park Sung Wha, Myanmar's South Korean Coach felt there isn't much "difference between the teams".

"This will be a tough competition for sure. There’s isn’t much difference between the sides. All the teams are equally strong and have a chance for qualifying for the final phase of the AFC Challenge Cup in Maldives in 2014."

"It doesn't necessarily mean that Myanmar will be through just by virtue of being the hosts," he went on.

For the record, the Group-toppers get a direct entry into the final phase while the two best runners-up amongst the five groups also get a place in the final round next year.

Guam Coach Gary White said, "We have studied a lot about all our opponents. History may not be on our side but we have prepared well this time around," he warned.

Guam come into the Competition with two of their players from the North American MLS while three of their players play in the Philippines League.

(Report & Photo courtesy AIFF Media)

Jeje Lalpekhlua: Koevermans has helped me improve my turning

Striker Jeje Lalpekhlua after over a year is back to 'where he belongs' - Team India. Since his ankle injury, Jeje, touted as the most exciting prospect in Indian Football, says he has seen the worst of times. In his first interview since getting a call back into the National squad, the Mizo striker speaks as length to AIFF Media about the phase which he wants to forgets fast, his immediate targets, his improvement under Wim Koevermans and much more.


How is it to be back in the National squad?

Every player sweats hard to be here. It feels nice and makes me more confident as a player that I am back in the National squad after more than a year. My ankle injury had kept me out of the AFC Challenge Cup in Nepal in March 2012 and since then it has been a battle, more within my own self to be back.

I see this as a new beginning and will work harder and wait for my chance.


How did you motivate yourself when you were hit by injury and simultaneously out of the Senior squad?

Football motivated me more than anything else. I just wanted to be back playing again for my club. More than the physical aspect, an injury hits you hard mentally as a player. You start thinking that you won't ever have the strength to be back. Serious doubts kept creeping in. But at the same time, it makes you tougher as a player as you have already seen the worst of times.


This is the first time you are in the squad under Wim Koevermans. How do you see him from close?

The first and foremost thing that will appeal to you is his nature. I'd say, as much he is a Coach, he is simultaneously a true gentleman and a very caring human being. That's an extraordinary and a very rare combination, I must say.

Technically, he has fine-tuned me a lot. He explained to me as to how I could be sharper with my turning and off-the-ball play. I like his style a lot.


What are your targets?

As a striker, I'd say to score as many goals as possible. But the AFC Challenge Cup 2014 (Qualifiers) stay the immediate target - not only for me but for the entire contingent. We are a good unit and need believe in ourselves.


You have played against Chinese Taipei and Myanmar in the recent past. What can we expect from them?

I made my Senior India debut against Chinese Taipei in the AFC Challenge Cup (qualifiers) in Malaysia in 2011. I remember scoring in the match as we won 2-1. Then, in the U-23 Olympic Qualifiers, I scored against Myanmar in Pune as we went on to win 2-1. I can tell you, both of the teams are very competitive ones and would pose a huge threat. And there's Guam too.

The Coach has shown us some videos and we need to stick to his plans!

(Interview & Photo courtesy AIFF Media)

Wim Koevermans: Acclimatising fast is very important!

Keeping in mind that in Asia 'you need to travel long', National Coach Wim Koevermans insisted on arriving early in Yangon for the 2014 AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers. In an interview to AIFF Media, Koevermans talks about the intensity of his training sessions, challenges of acclimatisation, the couple of injuries in the Preparatory Camp, India's opening opponent in the AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers and much more.


Are you satisfied the manner the Preparatory Camp in Pune shaped up?

Very much! The boys worked hard and so did the staff. There was a reason for the Camp and we accomplished it. I need to thank the authorities in Pune for their cooperation and also the All India Football Federation for arranging for the Preparatory Camp. Things are working in the right direction and that's important.


What do you make of the players prior and after the Camp?

The players will always have to get used to the tempos of the training sessions. The sessions were of very high intensity and everyone adjusted well.

At the moment we are focusing on Chinese Taipei, our first opponent in the AFC Challenge Cup 2014 (Qualifiers). It's the first game of the Tournament and a really important one for us. We are providing them the information and they are learning about them.


How much have the couple of injuries (to Arnab Mondal and Sandesh Jhingan) in the Preparatory Camp affected your plans?

Unfortunately injuries are always a part of any training camp, anywhere in the World. They were freak ones but we need to move on. That's the reason we had called for a bigger group of players. Even after Sandesh (Jhingan) was ruled out, we called for an extra defender (Rowilson Rodrigues) to ensure we had enough quality players for the Tournament.


India are the first team to have landed in Yangon. How much is acclimatisation important in such a Tournament?

I'd say, most important! The idea stays to get enough rest to overcome and adjust after the hectic travel schedules. Travelling is tiring and takes its toll, especially if you travel to a different time zone; and one needs to remember that in Asia, you need to travel long. Hence, acclimatisation is important. We need to get it out of system. The boys have adjusted superbly so far and we even had a light practice session on the first afternoon.

However, having said that, the boys from Churchill Brothers and East Bengal couldn't arrive together with the Group, courtesy the AFC Cup schedule. They need to recover fast and stay fresh.


You have had a look at the Videos – what do you make of your opponents?

We take every opposition seriously. In a build-up to a match, we need to analyse our rival teams and stay 100 percent prepared. We need to see the players, their qualities, their strengths and weaknesses and prepare accordingly.

(Interview & Photo courtesy AIFF Media)

2014 AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers: Team India arrives in Yangon, Myanmar

The Indian senior national football team reached the Myanmar capital Yangon earlier today for the forthcoming 2014 AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers which kicks-off on March 2. The squad which left Mumbai late on Monday evening landed early morning at the Yangon International Airport via Singapore.

The boys were greeted by a temperature of 34 degrees even as the forecast predicted a sharp rise in temperature in the coming days. India are the first team from the Group to have arrived in Yangon. Besides hosts Myanmar, Chinese Taipei and Guam are the other teams in the Group.

However, keeping in mind Churchill Brothers' and East Bengal's commitments in the AFC Cup, the squad would be assembling in three batches. The four players from Churchill Brothers – Sandip Nandy, Denzil Franco, Lenny Rodrigues and Sunil Chhetri would be joining the squad on Wednesday, February 27; while the three East Bengal players – Raju Gaikwad, Mehtab Hossain and Robin Singh would be landing in Myanmar the next day, February 28.

"It feels nice to land in Myanmar for the AFC Challenge Cup 2014. It's a tricky Group and all the teams are very competitive ones," National Coach Wim Koevermans, said.

2This is a very important tournament for us - in fact, the most important," winger Clifford Miranda stressed. "We need to play to our potential. The boys are in good shape," he added.

Allrounder Syed Rahim Nabi stays confident the squad will rise to the occasion. "We need to keep our faith in ourselves. We need to back ourselves both on and off the field. We need to behave as a team," Nabi, who was voted the Player-of-the-Year by all I-League Club Coaches, echoed.

Striker Jeje Lalpekhlua who makes a comeback into the National squad after almost a year said the tournament would be a 'challenging one'.

"We have played Myanmar and Chinese Taipei in the recent past and they are very dangerous opponents. Guam would also put up a tough challenge," Jeje, pronounced.

"I'm happy and relieved that my hard work has paid off. Every player wants to be a part of the National squad. This is a new beginning for me. I will have to work harder and wait for my chance," he quipped.

Pailan Arrows defender Shouvik Ghosh maintained the Camp in Pune was a 'fruitful one' by saying, "It was a learning curve for me. The intensity of International Football is what makes a player mature. The Coach did have some specific instructions for me and I'm improving as a player with his suggestions."

India play Chinese Taipei in their first match on March 2, 2013.


INDIA

Goalkeepers
Sandip Nandy (Churchill Brothers SC), Subrata Pal (Prayag United SC), Karanjit Singh (Salgaocar FC)

Defenders
Nirmal Chettri (Mohun Bagan AC), Raju Eknath Gaikwad (East Bengal Club), Denzil Franco (Churchill Brothers SC), Souvik Ghosh (Pailan Arrows), Syed Rahim Nabi (Mohun Bagan AC), Rowilson Rodrigues (Dempo SC), Gouramangi Moirangthem Singh (Prayag United SC), Gurjinder Kumar Singh (Pune FC)

Midfielders
Izumi Arata (Pune FC), Lalkamal Bhowmick (Prayag United SC), Francis Fernandes (Salgaocar FC), Alwyn George (Pailan Arrows), Mehtab Hossain (East Bengal Club), Clifford Miranda (Dempo SC), Jewel Raja Sheikh (Mohun Bagan AC), Lenny Rodrigues (Churchill Brothers SC), C.K. Vineeth (Prayag United SC)

Forwards
Sunil Chhetri (Churchill Brothers SC), Jeje Lalpekhlua (Pune FC), Robin Singh (East Bengal Club)

Officials
Wim Koevermans (Head Coach), Savio Medeira (Assistant Coach), Marcus Pacheco (Goalkeeping Coach)

(Report & Photo courtesy AIFF Media)

2014 AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers: Chinese Taipei name squad

Chinese Taipei have named their 21 players squad for the 2014 AFC Challenge Cup Group A qualifiers to be played in Myanmar next month.

Chinese Taipei, who are taking a complete home-based squad to play the qualifiers, are the opening day opponent of Team India with hosts Myanmar and Guam the other teams in the group.


CHINESE TAIPEI

Goalkeepers
Lu Kun-Chi (Taiwan Power Company FC), Chiang Yung Hsuan (Taiwan Power Company FC), Yang Chun Kuang (Pingtung University of Education football team)

Defenders
Chen Shanfu (Taiwan Power Company FC), Lin Cheng-Yi (Taiwan Power Company FC), Lee Meng-Chian (Taiwan Power Company FC), Wei Pei Lun (National Sports Training Center), Tsai Sheng-An (Taiwan Power Company FC), Lee Tai-Lin (Taiwan Power Company FC), Yang Chao-Hsun (Shou University SC)

Midfielders
Jiang Minghan (Military Service of the National Training Center), Huang Kai-Jun (Taiwan Power Company FC), Feng Pao-Hsing (Taiwan Power Company FC), Chen Yi-Wei (Taiwan Power Company FC), Chang Fu-Hsiang (Tatung FC), Su De-Cai (National Sports Training Center), Chan Che-Yuan (National Sports Training Center), Huang Han-Sheng (TMNCK University FC)

Forwards
He Ming-Chan (Taiwan Power Company FC), Chiu I-Huan (National Sports Training Center), Tai Hung-Hsu (Taiwan Power Company FC)

Officials
Chiang Mu-Tsai (Head Coach)

India coach Koevermans names squad of 23 players for 2014 AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers

Indian national team coach Wim Koevermans has named his final 23 players squad ahead of the 2014 AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers to be played next month in Myanmar.

Team India have been drawn in Group A of the qualifiers alongside the hosts Myanmar, Chinese Taipei and Guam with Chinese Taipei the opponent in the first match on March 2.

The squad would be leaving Mumbai late on Monday, February 25 evening and reach Yangon the next day morning. However, the four Churchill Brothers players – Sandip Nandy, Denzil Franco, Lenny Rodrigues and Sunil Chhetri – who would be doing duty for their club in the AFC Cup would be joining the rest of squad on February 27; while the three East Bengal players - Raju Gaikwad, Mehtab Hossain and Robin Singh - would be joining the squad on February 28 in Yangon.

Those omitted from the final squad include Subhasish Roy Chowdhury (Dempo SC), Peter Carvalho (Dempo SC), Asif K. (Prayag United SC), Shylo Malswam Tulunga (Prayag United SC) and Sushil Kumar Singh (Shillong Lajong FC); while Sandesh Jhingan (United Sikkim FC), Arnab Mondal (East Bengal Club) and Joaquim Abranches (Dempo SC) had to leave the camp due to injury.

Meanwhile Karanjit Singh, Jeje Lalpekhlua and Rowilson Rodrigues make a comeback into the squad.


INDIA

Goalkeepers
Sandip Nandy (Churchill Brothers SC), Subrata Pal (Prayag United SC), Karanjit Singh (Salgaocar FC)

Defenders
Nirmal Chettri (Mohun Bagan AC), Raju Eknath Gaikwad (East Bengal Club), Denzil Franco (Churchill Brothers SC), Souvik Ghosh (Pailan Arrows), Syed Rahim Nabi (Mohun Bagan AC), Rowilson Rodrigues (Dempo SC), Gouramangi Moirangthem Singh (Prayag United SC), Gurjinder Kumar Singh (Pune FC)

Midfielders
Izumi Arata (Pune FC), Lalkamal Bhowmick (Prayag United SC), Francis Fernandes (Salgaocar FC), Alwyn George (Pailan Arrows), Mehtab Hossain (East Bengal Club), Clifford Miranda (Dempo SC), Jewel Raja Sheikh (Mohun Bagan AC), Lenny Rodrigues (Churchill Brothers SC), C.K. Vineeth (Prayag United SC)

Forwards
Sunil Chhetri (Churchill Brothers SC), Jeje Lalpekhlua (Pune FC), Robin Singh (East Bengal Club)

Officials
Wim Koevermans (Head Coach), Savio Medeira (Assistant Coach), Marcus Pacheco (Goalkeeping Coach)

VIDEO: 2014 AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers | India, Myanmar, Chinese Taipei, Guam

Here a nicely made video of available footage from the participating teams of the 2014 AFC Challenge Cup - Group A qualifiers in India, Chinese Taipei, Guam and hosts Myanmar next month.

Koevermans names 30 probables for AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers camp

Indian national coach Wim Koevermans has named 30 probables for the Preparatory Camp ahead of the 2014 AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers to be played next month in Myanmar. The Camp will kick-off at the Bharatiya Vidyapeeth premises in Pune from Tuesday, February 12.

All the selected players and support staff would be reporting to the Camp the previous day ahead of the camp.

Wim Koevermans has left out East Bengal striker Manandeep Singh, while calling-up Sandesh Jhingan (United Sikkim FC), Arnab Mondal (East Bengal Club), Peter Carvalho (Dempo SC), Asif K. (Prayag United SC), Shylo Malswam Tulunga (Prayag United SC), Jeje Lalpekhlua (Pune FC) and Robin Singh (East Bengal Club) to the camp.

A surprise omission remains an inform Lalrindika Ralte, who once under Koevermans does not find a place in the squad.

The team will be travelling to play the 2014 AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers in Yangon in the last week of February. India play their first match against Chinese Taipei on March 2 followed by matches against Guam and hosts Myanmar on March 4 and 6 respectively.


INDIA

Goalkeepers
Sandip Nandy (Churchill Brothers SC), Subrata Pal (Prayag United SC), Subhasish Roy Chowdhury (Dempo SC), Karanjit Singh (Salgaocar FC)

Defenders
Nirmal Chettri (Mohun Bagan AC), Raju Eknath Gaikwad (East Bengal Club), Denzil Franco (Churchill Brothers SC), Souvik Ghosh (Pailan Arrows), Sandesh Jhingan (United Sikkim FC), Arnab Mondal (East Bengal Club), Syed Rahim Nabi (Mohun Bagan AC), Gouramangi Moirangthem Singh (Prayag United SC), Gurjinder Kumar Singh (Pune FC)

Midfielders
Izumi Arata (Pune FC), Lalkamal Bhowmick (Prayag United SC), Peter Carvalho (Dempo SC), Francis Fernandes (Salgaocar SC), Alwyn George (Pailan Arrows), Mehtab Hossain (East Bengal Club), Asif K. (Prayag United SC), Clifford Miranda (Dempo SC), Jewel Raja Sheikh (Mohun Bagan AC), Lenny Rodrigues (Churchill Brothers SC), Shylo Malswam Tulunga (Prayag United SC), C.K. Vineeth (Prayag United SC)

Forwards
Joaquim Abranches (Dempo SC), Sunil Chhetri (Sporting Clube de Portugal 'B'), Jeje Lalpekhlua (Pune FC), Robin Singh (East Bengal Club), Sushil Kumar Singh (Shillong Lajong FC)

Officials
Wim Koevermans (Head Coach), Savio Medeira (Assistant Coach), Marcus Pacheco (Goalkeeping Coach)