AFC Under-22 Qualifiers: Oman end Indian dreams with 4-0

The India Under-22s suffered a 0-4 loss against Oman in their fifth and final match at the AFC Under-22 Asian Championship qualifiers at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Muscat, Oman to end any chances of qualifying for the final round of the AFC Under-22 Asian Championship.

Coach Arthur Papas made two changes to his starting eleven keeping with his style of rotating his players due to the fact of five matches being played across only 11 days and also as Narayan Das and Tirthankar Sarkar are suspended due to two yellow cards.

There are days when domination doesn't yield you anything. Tuesday, July 3 was such a day. India despite having more possession for most part of the match bowed out of the AFC U-22 Asian Championship qualifiers. Hamood Saleh scored the first goal for Oman in the 54th minute while Faed Ibrahim scored the second goal in the 67th minute. Besides, Saleh Hadid and Mubarak Humaid scored one apiece.

After a dominating first half, India lost control in the second half and went down tamely. If it was all India in the first 45 minutes, the first 20 minutes of the second half settled the issue for the hosts. India finished with 7 points from 5 matches while Oman on 10 points from 7 matches.

India started the match on a bright note. They absorbed the initial pressure and slowly started the buildup. A Lalrindika Ralte freekick from striking zone struck the wall and Manandeep Singh's powerful left footer was punched out by rival goalkeeper Mazin Masud in the 21st minute. Manandeep again broke free in the 30th minute and ran inside the box but Masud managed to keep him at bay. For the hosts, 19-year old Raed Ibrahim stayed the pivot. Being a part of the Senior Oman side in the World Cup qualifiers, he was nippy to create problems for the Indian defence. But the two central defenders Prathamesh Maulingkar and and Souvik Ghosh stood tall. On the other hand, Alwyn George was creating all sorts of problems for the rival defence. Oman were not willing to allow him space and once he started his run, he got suffocated at the top of the rival box. In the 43rd minute, his back volley sailed over.

But Oman came back with more purpose in the second half. They didn't allow the Indians to settle down and were eventually rewarded when Hamood Saleh tapped in a Abdullah Saleh pass in the 54th minute. Minutes later, Saleh's header hit the post. Jeje Lalpekhlua was introduced in the 63rd minute in place of Romeo Fernandes. But Oman pressed hard and Faed Ibrahim made it 2-0 in the 67th minute after he had sneaked down the right. A minute after Faed's goal, Manandeep's header off a Dika corner missed by a whisker. But Oman struck again. Pranay Halder brought down Badar Nasib inside the box and though off the resultant penalty Gurpreet Singh Sandhu kept it at bay, Saleh Hadid tapped in the rebound for the third of the night. In the 88th minute, a Jeje rasper from the top box was saved by Mazin for a corner and off the counter attack, Mubarak Humaid made it 4-0.


INDIA Under-22s

1-Gurpreet Singh Sandhu [Captain]; 26-Vishal Kumar (71' 3-Abhishek Das), 6-Prathamesh Maulingkar, 14-Souvik Ghosh, 2-Pritam Kotal; 34-Pranay Halder (82' 15-Deepak Prakash), 17-Ongnam Milan Singh, 8-Lalrindika Ralte, 31-Romeo Fernandes (64' 10-Jeje Lalpekhlua), 12-Alwyn George, 35-Manandeep Singh

AFC Under-22 Qualifiers: India focuses only on Oman match

Suddenly it has become about a lot of calculations on how the India Under-22s could qualify for the final round, but the team stays focused on their fifth and final encounter against Oman tomorrow.

Here the link to the article: AFC Under-22 Qualifiers: How could India qualify for the final Round?

"Hey, it's complicated," Papas clarifies. "Let us try for a victory against Oman. We take the field to win every match, whoever the opposition may be. We have improved with every match so far," he adds.

"But Oman are very capable side. Not only are they ahead in the FIFA Rankings (97 in comparison to India's 164), but they also boast of some very talented individuals. We go into the match as underdogs," he maintains.

National Coach Wim Koevermans, who has watched the last couple of India U-22's and has made it a point to be there at every practice session along with Technical Director Rob Baan, says, "No match is ever easy. In football you have to fight on the field."

The boys stay ready for that. Half an hour after the match against Turkmenistan, bound by habits, the boys had taken right – the route from the Dressing Room to the Team Bus. The battle on the left (against Turkmenistan) had been won some minutes back; Oman stayed the next challenge. But Jeje Lalpekhlua looked right, left and centre. "Looking for someone, Jeje?" you ask.

"Where's the Coach?" Spotting Papas bringing out video camera, Jeje enquired: "Can we watch the next game, the first 45 minutes?" Oman were slated to play Iraq next. "Off-course you can!" Papas allowed. The boys changed direction – left became right, they proceeded towards the chairs and watched their next opponent in action.

Post dinner, the boys headed straight to the Meeting Room. No, Papas wasn't there; the support staff weren't there either and neither were they following any instructions. The boys just wanted to have a talk between themselves. There was Jeje, there was Lalrindika Ralte, there was Abhishek Das, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Prathamesh Maulingkar, Alwyn George – the entire bunch. The meeting went on for more 15 minutes.

On being asked, a reluctant Abhishek Das informed next morning, "We talked as to how were not in our usual self against Turkmenistan in the second half. Against Oman, we need to back each other more – both on and off the field." You gauge, it was an emotional meeting which set up a specific target.

"Meetings can lead you on the right track. They won't win you the match. Against Oman, we need to give our 200 percent on the ground. Try your Best and Leave the Rest," a philosophical Jeje Lalpekhlua, opines, even as Masseur Santosh Chacko's nimble fingers make him feel rejuvenated.

There's another room which stays the favourite hunting ground for all players – Room No. 220 to be precise, where Team Physio Kazi Juyef Islam stays. He stays busy 24x7 treating the small niggles. Sometimes he scolds the players for being even 30 seconds late, but they don't mind. Jeje's fellow striker Manandeep Singh, while getting his treatment done says, "This is our last shot. Oman are a hard side to beat; very speedy. But it's our best chance."

Alwyn George who has scored four goals in three matches so far feels, "The key stays in sticking to our plan. It's a game for 90 minutes. We can't hurry and neither can we wait for long. The Coach has specific instructions and we need to carry them out."

The players take a long breath as they walk almost every step. There can be no halt and they know they need to be energetic and greedy but at the same time, balanced. 90 minutes sometimes pass off too quick; the weight of International Football is immense.

Even as every other team hurried off for a practice session, Sunday stayed an off day in the Indian Camp. "The players need to recover," Papas defines. "Sometimes they too need a break."

The Championship has given the chance to measure us at the International Level. Prior to the kick-off, if you are honest, you'll have to admit none had thought India would be alive and ticking in the last match, especially in a group with Iraq, UAE, Oman, Lebanon and Turkmenistan. 'Results don't matter at this stage, the development does.'

The kick-off at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex on Tuesday, July 3 is at 20.00 local time (21.30 IST). The AFC agreed to a request from the AIFF to kick-off both matches Iraq vs UAE and Oman vs India at the same time to give all four teams the same chance to progress from the qualifiers.

AFC Under-22 Qualifiers: How could India qualify for the final Round?

The India Under-22s have played a great qualification campaign so far with seven points from four matches with a match against the hosts Oman on Tuesday, July 3 remaining. Our boys still have the chance to qualify for the final round of the inaugural AFC Under-22 Asian Championships, but certain things need to go our way for that to happen.

I'll try to go through the options how we could qualify for next years AFC Under-22 Asian Championships.

Whoever made the fixtures couldn't have worked out a more interesting last match day. Currently Iraq and the United Arab Emirates are top of the table with both teams on 10 points and they now face each other, while India and Oman are behind them on seven points and also face each other on match day 5.

As head-to-head statistics count in the AFC tournaments there is only one option through which India could directly qualify for the final rounds. That is if Iraq win against the UAE and India at the same time beat Oman. That would mean India and the UAE would then have 10 points, but India already have a better goal difference then the UAE and would go through on goal difference then the two sides played out a one-all draw. This would mean India would join Iraq in the final rounds.

But if the UAE win then India, if they beat Oman, only has a chance to progress as the best third placed side in the qualifiers. Why? Simply as India lost to Iraq 1-2 and have a negative head-to-head record against Iraq even if they have a better goal difference.

Now if Iraq and the United Arab Emirates play out a draw, then all these calculations are useless, then only the third place option remains, but that would only be decided once all qualification groups have been played.

A lot of maths, but as coach Arthur Papas has said let India first win against Oman, then all these calculations would come into play. Still we all hope for the best and a positive outcome for India...

Arthur Papas: Against Oman, we start as underdogs

Much of the credit for the transformation of the India Under-22s in the AFC U-22 Asian Championship qualifiers goes to new Head Coach Arthur Papas. With only 16 days of practice prior to landing in Muscat, Papas has been able to instill a sense of self-belief among the boys besides making them getting accustomed to his new style of play. Prior to India's do-or-die encounter against Oman on Tuesday where an Indian win may see India through to the final phase, Papas isn't willing to get affected by the permutations. The permutations tell you that an Indian victory and an Iraqi victory against UAE will see India through.

Papas now speaks about India's performance in the qualifiers, the match against Oman, his upcoming assignment with Pailan Arrows and a whole lot more...


What are your thoughts for the match against Oman?

Football wise Oman are a very capable side who have speed all over the field. They prefer to get many numbers behind the ball and rely on a couple of excellent individuals in the final third who can make the difference. Their central defenders seem to be a bit uncomfortable on the ball so instead of building from the back, they prefer to play direct football.

I must also add that Oman have enjoyed a logistical joyride in the tournament so far. They have been the only team in the Championship to have played all their matches at 8pm instead of 5pm when the heat is so much more punishing. They have also played all matches at one certain Stadium (Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex) unlike other teams who have had to rotate for matches and training venues. In a Championship as such where you play 5 matches in 11 days, it's a distinct advantage. This raises the question though of whether they are match hardened like our boys who have had to overcome every obstacle to reach this stage.


Going into the match against Oman, there's a lot of calculation on the table. Do you get affected by it?

Not one bit! There isn't any use to think elsewhere because irrespective we need to win our match. Therefore, we need to go into the Oman match with full concentration and focus on only what we can control. If at the end of 90 minutes we get a positive result, only then will we look at all the variables.


What do India need to do to get a positive result?

To get a positive result, we will have to ensure we are able to find a structure which allow us to win the second ball consistently and again we need to keep focusing on our positional understanding whenever we have the ball.

In every game, we have started as the lowest ranked nation and wear the tag of 'underdogs' to those outside. Internally though, we have developed an amazing team spirit, inner self-belief and have consistently grown in confidence day by day whilst playing a very positive brand of football.


Prior to the kick-off of the Championship, did you believe, we will be going this far?

I always felt there are some countries which have more potential that what the FIFA Rankings reflect, India being one of them. This is the reason I accepted the position or else I could comfortably have remained at Australia in the A-League. But I wanted a real challenge and it's in my nature to always want to keep being challenged. It's now my responsibility to improve the standards of football in the country in the areas that I am able to impact directly. We still have a long way to go but with people like Rob Baan and Wim Koevermans involved and with the Academies that are being established, we are only on the threshold of what is a huge potential.

In this group I have witnesses a talented generation of players who needed some guidance to believe they can do more and bring to the fore their footballing qualities which have always been there. Importantly, there is an eagerness to learn and a winning mentality and that's needed for future development.


How much of a credit do you take for the transformation in the team?

From a personal point of view, I always remain humble and level headed and having been given the job it's been about adding my own personal ideas as to how to steer the squad in a certain direction.

I am most critical of my own performance and am constantly criticising myself because I feel I can improve in the manner I work. I was fortunate to be mentored by a brilliant coach and person named Jan Versleijen (Dutch coach now working in the Chinese Super League) and although I am very much my own person with my own style having someone like Jan amongst others provided me with the education that has seen me now develop into the coach and person that I am now at the age of 32.

Overall, I feel it's the players who deserve the credit for what has transpired in this tournament. They are the ones who go out and execute what has been taught and they have been very courageous in their personalities and this is reflected in their football style. The players deserve all the praise.


From the time you took over, how have the boys responded?

There's no denying they were a bit cautious initially. After all, they have played in a different style till now and always I maintain this is no disrespect to the past. It was my job to convince them and build up a perception about our new style of play. Once convinced, I saw them enjoying the practice sessions. They are a more positive lot now.

It also reflects in the results so far. We have scored 11 goals in the five matches we have played and they have come against Nations who are ranked way higher than India. We are not finished yet though!


You have played different Playing XIs in different matches and there have even been as many as five changes in the Playing XI from the last match. Is this a conscious decision?

You need to approach every match with a different strategy as every team possess a different tactical approach. Therefore in every game, I need to look at the areas where we might need a different quality in the position both because there is either a weakness or strength from the opponent.

Also when you play five games in 11 days you need to utilise your whole squad. We have depth in the bench at the moment and the players are quite comfortable to change in situations because in the training preparation we consistently worked on all players understanding the whole system. It's flexible.


The bulk of this team come from Pailan Arrows. How much does it help considering you will shift base to Pailan for the I-League and other tournaments?

It's a huge positive. At the moment I have concentrated on the U-22 Championship but from the corner of my eye that fact that 17 players out of this bunch of 23 come of Pailan, obviously means a lot. For this tournament I haven't had the time to work on many of the individual characteristics of some of our players because team concepts outweigh the individual.

In Pailan we will have this opportunity and I expect to see much more development in the players over the course of the I-League season.

India U-22 coach Papas: We need to strike a balance & be patient!

A heat wave greeted the India Under-22 Team for the AFC Under-22 Asian Championship qualifiers as they landed in the Omani capital Muscat today. The boys who have been preparing for over a week at the Al Wasl Campus in Dubai settled down fast as Head Coach Arthur Papas made them sweat in an afternoon practice session at the Sultan Qaboos Complex. After the training Arthur Papas spoke at length about India's new style of play, India's Group, the squad, his philosophy on Jeje Lalpehklua and a lot more.


Since the time you took over the team, what are the changes which have taken place?

There have been subtle changes in the overall playing philosophy over the course of two weeks. It's mostly based on developing a style which emphasises on ideas when we stay in possession of the ball. The idea is to be patient and wait for the correct moment for the build up or for example aim to penetrate from deep.

There are so many variables in football and it's been about guiding the decision making process of the youth players by providing them a structure to work from within.

At the same time we have had to find a balance with this style because you cannot expect to perfect the system in just over two weeks. I have had to take into consideration the current conditioning of the players. I've understood the instincts of the boys from the practice sessions and the practice matches.


Are you impressed with the fitness level of the players as you head into the Championship?

The positive part stays that we have been able to keep majority of the players away from injuries. Apart from Bikramjit Singh who unfortunately picked up a minor ankle strain in our last practice match and unluckily had to miss out, the rest stay in good shape. Obviously we can't deny that we will also miss some other very influential players who were injured prior to the camp. But the fact that we have been able to re-introduce players like Jeje Lalpekhlua and Deepak Devrani, both of whom are returning from an injury lay-offs, I stay content.

Ideally we would like to have been much more match conditioned as we head to the Championship. Our friendly matches have served as a good opportunity to keep learning about our system of play and identify players.


You have insisted upon a new style of play since you joined as Head Coach. During this short span, how much have the boys been able to adapt to the new style?

I need to praise the players as they have shown tremendous maturity during the short period we have been together. They stay open to approaching the game with an open mind and understanding the various ways it can be played. There are still many areas which need to be improved and this can only be achieved by developing together our ideas with time.

As always I approach a tournament with the intention to win but at the same time I am looking at players who I believe have attributes can develop into Senior National Team Players for India. This means that maybe a slightly older player has missed out on selection in favour of a younger player who I think with exposure to these type of tournaments can further develop and in the longer term and become a better prospect for the Indian National team.


Understandably the draw couldn't have been tougher for India. What do you expect from the tournament?

We are competing against some very good countries who have really improved their footballing level over the course of 3-4 years. It's a position we intend to reach in the future. At this stage all our focus stays towards our first game against Lebanon on June 23. This is a critical game and a good start can provide us with optimism to look at qualification.


What's the status of Jeje Lalpekhlua? How much of a role does he play in your scheme of things?

Jeje is a player I have much respect for simple for the manner he conducts himself on and off the field. He is the type of character you enjoy working with as a Coach. So far he has been slowly re-introduced into full training only since the last four days. As I had mentioned earlier, I will not be risking the long term health of Jeje or any other player. They are still young and I maintain that although the short-term success of our team would be a great achievement, it should not come at the cost of any of our talented youth players for the long-term. He has a great future ahead of him and needs the correct guidance to manage his body.


Will this be your toughest assignment so far?

Football assignments are not tough on a grand scale. They are challenging, sometimes rewarding and sometimes soul-searching. There are so many emotions involved and it engulfs your thought process to a level which is hard to be comprehended. It's an unique 24x7 job.

However, I can't say this is tough when I compare my life to some of the hardships that are a part of everyday life, e.g. seeing people begging on the streets, homeless and with no money. All that, I consider is tougher. I try my best to keep perspective at all times. I can promise I will give my utmost to help Indian football develop to a level much higher than its current state.

Jeje Lalpekhlua to captain India Under-22s

Pune FC's Jeje Lalpekhlua will lead India in the AFC Under-22 Asian Championship qualifiers to be played in Muscat from June 23. Goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu has been named his deputy. The Indian squad which has been preparing at the Al Wasl Training Ground in Dubai leaves for Muscat on Thursday, June 21 morning for the qualifiers.

The final 23 players were also named for the qualifiers with Ramandeep Singh (Air India), Chingkhei Meetei Yumnam (Tata Football Academy), David Lalbiakzara (Pune FC), Bikramjit Singh Sr. (Pailan Arrows) and Rajinder Kumar (Pailan Arrows) being left out of the final squad.

"It is a huge honour for me to lead my country," Jeje said on the appointment. "We have been training under Head Coach Arthur Papas since the first week of June and he has been a pillar of support to all of us," Jeje added.

India who have been clubbed with hosts Oman, Lebanon, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates and Turkmenistan in Group A of the qualifiers. India open their campaign against Lebanon on June 23.

Meanwhile, the India U-22s defeated DNATA Club 4-1 in their second friendly match yesterday. After a barren first half, Lalrindika Ralte scored a brace for India while Shyjumon and striker Manandeep Singh scored one apiece.


INDIA U-22 Team

Goalkeepers
Soram Poirei Angamba (Shillong Lajong FC), Ravi Kumar (Pailan Arrows), Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (East Bengal Club)

Defenders
Abhishek Das (East Bengal Club), Narayan Das (Tata Football Academy), Deepak Devrani (Pailan Arrows), Souvik Ghosh (Pailan Arrows), Pritam Kotal (Pailan Arrows), Vishal Kumar (Pailan Arrows), Prathmesh Maulingkar (Pailan Arrows)

Midfielders
Romeo Fernandes (Dempo SC), Ganeshan (Pune FC), Pronoy Haldar (Pailan Arrows), Shyjumon (Chirag United Kerala), Deepak Prakash (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited), Lalrindika Ralte (Churchill Brothers SC), Tirthankar Sarkar (Pailan Arrows), Ongnam Milan Singh (Pailan Arrows), Simranjit Singh (Tata Football Academy)

Forwards
Alwin George (Pailan Arrows), Jeje Lalpekhlua (Pune FC, Captain), Holicharan Narzary (Pailan Arrows), Manandeep Singh (Air India)

Officials
Arthur Papas (Head Coach)

AFC Cup: Salgaocar beat Al Arouba for first win!

Salgaocar SC scored their first-ever AFC Cup victory, a 3-1 win against Al Arouba from Oman in their fifth Group D league match at the Nehru Stadium, Margao.

In was an even game in the first session, but in injury time Francis Fernandes tapped in a Beevan D'Mello cross. Salgaocar continued after the break from where they had left off as only three minutes into the second session striker Milagres Gonsalves would head home a Nicolau Colaco cross.

Then in the 64th minute midfielder Gilbert Oliveira would make it 3-0 for Salgaocar. Al Arouba was beaten by then but their striker Danilo Texeira would score off a penalty in the 81st minute after he himself had been brought down by defender Augostinho Fernandes.

It ended 3-1 for Salgaocar SC's first win which brought them level on points with Al Arouba, who where also eliminated from the AFC Cup while Al Wehdat from Jordan and Uzbek's Neftchi FC move into the pre-quarterfinal phase.

"Football is not only about quality, it is also about character, and today my boys have excelled and performed wonderfully in all the departments like speed, fitness and technical abilities," said a delighted coach Karim Bencherifa.

"However, I have mixed feelings as we held our head high with some good performances but at the same time we are out of contention for the next round. Our target now will be to not to finish at the bottom of the table," Karim added.

AFC Cup: Salgaocar SC play for honour

The now former I-League champions Salgaocar SC are out of the AFC Cup, but in their Group D home match against Al Arouba from Oman they will hope to finally break the jinx and win their first game of their AFC Cup campaign. Kick-off is at 17.45 IST at the Nehru Stadium, Margao.

"If you look at our previous matches, I think we have performed really well despite setbacks. This shows the character and the fighting spirit our team possess. Apart from the match in Jordan where we lost 5-0, I think our performance in the AFC Cup was satisfactory, I hope to put up a good show in front of our Home fans," said coach Karim Bencherifa.

Salgaocar is boosted by the return of Brazilian captain Luciano Sobrosa, but will be without suspended duo Irungbam Khelemba Singh and Rocus Lamare while Nigerian striker Chidi Edeh and Japanese midfielder Ryuji Sueoka will be missed again due to injury. Further French midfielder Maxim Belouet is also not fully fit as is the case with Biswajit Saha and Rahul Kumar.

"We have played 24 rounds in the I-League and most of our players are nearing 40 matches this season, it's a tough season for the players. Having said that, I would also like to stress that tomorrow's game will be a challenge for us," added Bencherifa.

For Al Arouba it is about taking the points back home to stay in contention for a place in the pre-quarterfinals.

"The match against Salgaocar will be our last chances to maintain any hope of qualifying to the next stage especially after losing two important points in the previous match against Neftchi," said Al Arouba coach Mukhtar Mukhtar.

"Winning against Salgaocar will open the door for us to compete for a place in the next stage especially because we will host Al Wehdat at home in the last match," Mukhtar added.

AFC U-22 Asian Cup Qualifiers: Indian Group fixtures out

The qualifiers for the inaugural AFC Under-22 Asian Cup will be held in June/July 2012 with the tournament proper to be played in 2013. India have been drawn in a tough Group A along with the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Oman, Turkmenistan and Lebanon. The Group A matches will be played at the Royal Oman Police Stadium and the Al Seeb Sports Stadium in Muscat, Oman.

In total 41 Member Associations have entered the fray to grab 15 spots in the final competition to be played in 2013. The teams were divided into six groups of six teams each and one group of five. They will play one-round league format and the top two teams will qualify for the tournament proper along with the best third-placed team in all the groups. The hosts of the AFC Under-22 Asian Cup Finals will get a direct berth.


GROUP A FIXTURES
United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Oman, India, Turkmenistan, Lebanon

23-Jun-2012: Oman - United Arab Emirates
23-Jun-2012: India - Lebanon
23-Jun-2012: Iraq - Turkmenistan
25-Jun-2012: United Arab Emirates - Turkmenistan
25-Jun-2012: Iraq - India
25-Jun-2012: Oman - Lebanon
28-Jun-2012: Turkmenistan - Oman
28-Jun-2012: Lebanon - Iraq
28-Jun-2012: United Arab Emirates - India
30-Jun-2012: India - Turkmenistan
30-Jun-2012: Lebanon - United Arab Emirates
30-Jun-2012: Iraq - Oman
03-Jul-2012: Turkmenistan - Lebanon
03-Jul-2012: Oman - India
03-Jul-2012: United Arab Emirates - Iraq


THE OTHER GROUPS

Group B: Saudi Arabia, Syria, Pakistan, Palestine, Kyrgyzstan, Sri Lanka
Group C: Bahrain, Iran, Tajikistan, Qatar, Kuwait, Maldives
Group D: Uzbekistan, Jordan, Yemen, Bangladesh, Nepal
Group E: Australia, Japan, Indonesia, Singapore, Macau, Timor Leste
Group F: North Korea, China, Thailand, Hong Kong, Laos, Cambodia
Group G: South Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia, Myanmar, Chinese Taipei, Philippines

VIDEO: Oman 5-1 India (TV report)

Oman yesterday beat India 5-1 in an international friendly. Here the Indian goal from Joaquim Abranches and four of the five Omani goals in a television report from a Keralite news program!

Oman win 5-1 against experimental Team India

Oman scored a comprehensive 5-1 victory against India in an international friendly at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Muscat. The match kicked-off very early at 13.30 local time, but on a sunny, windy afternoon the weather cannot be blamed for India's heavy defeat.

India coach Savio Medeira send out an experimental side against an experienced Oman. Due to niggles Sunil Chhetri, Lalrindika Ralte and Nirmal Chetri were rested along with livewire Syed Rahim Nabi to give the youngsters in the squad a chance to show themselves in an international friendly ahead of the team selection.

Samir Naik led India for the first time onto the field, but it was Oman who started with a bang as they were two-nil up just within seven minutes. First Mohammed Al-Ghassani headed home in the fifth minute and only two minutes later Ismail Al Ajmi doubled the lead with Oman all over India in the initial period. It seemed India could be heading for a heavy defeat, but the young Indian side slowly found their way into the match with Sushil Kumar Singh making the first attempt goalwards on the quarter hour mark.

Thereafter Oman remained the better side, but India made their forays into the Oman half with Jewel Raja playing a key role in midfield and it was him who had the best chance for India in the first session. It remained 2-0 for Oman at the break.

There were no substitutions at the break. Oman remained dangerous with India often averting danger at the last moment or Karanjit Singh there in goal. But it was once more Ismail Al Ajmi who made it 3-0 for Oman in the 59th minute and it looked all over for India. Still India did not give-up and were rewarded in the 64th minute when lively striker Joaquim Abranches scored of a pass from substitute Syed Rahim Nabi. Thereafter it was an open game with chances on both sides, but late in the game Oman did score a couple of more goals. First it was Hasan Rabie, who scored from header after missing a couple of simple chances, in the 88th minute and the final nail in the coffin came from substitute Abdullah Thuwaini a minute into injury time.

The 5-1 scoreline is a little too harsh on India, but on the other hand Oman could have easily scored a few more goals. A lot of work remains for Savio Medeira and his men, who next play Azerbaijan on Monday, February 27 in their last preparatory match ahead of the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup in Nepal.


MATCH STATS

Oman 5-1 (2-0) India - Goals: 1-0 Mohammed Al-Ghassani (5'), 2-0,3-0 Ismail Al Ajmi (7',59'), 3-1 Joaquim Abranches (65'), 4-1 Hasan Rabie (88'), 5-1 Abdullah Thuwaini (90+1')

INDIA
1-Karanjit Singh; 16-Samir Naik [C], 5-Anwar, 19-Gouramangi Singh, 27-Gurjinder Singh; 12-Anthony Pereira (61' 22-Syed Rahim Nabi), 7-Baldeep Singh (50' 47-Lenny Rodrigues), 28-Jewel Raja Sheikh, 10-Lester Mark Fernandez (57' 26-Francis Fernandes); 18-Sushil Kumar Singh (81' 50-Manandeep Singh), 9-Joaquim Abranches

Savio Medeira to rest injured players, to test others against Oman

Team India will be taking on a strong Oman national team in an international friendly at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Muscat at 13.30 local time (15.00 IST) tomorrow.

For the hosts Oman it is part of their preparations for their final 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Thailand on February 29, while India is using the match as part of its ongoing preparatory camp in Dubai for the upcoming 2012 AFC Challenge Cup in Kathmandu, Nepal. India have another international friendly lined-up against Azerbaijan on February 27 in Dubai.

India coach Savio Medeira isn't willing to risk fielding a full-strength side. Keeping in mind the future challenges ahead he has decided to rest AIFF Player-of-the-Year Sunil Chhetri, winger Lalrindika Ralte and stopper Nirmal Chetri. "All of them have some niggles. We are here to prepare for the AFC Challenge Cup. I don't want to risk them in an international friendly against Oman. The more time they get, the more will they recover," said Savio.

In fact Savio plans to experimenting a bit in this match. "We have plenty of young talented players who are eager to perform at the big stage. Our emphasis would be to find the right mix of players keeping our future endeavors in mind," Savio maintained.

In the FIFA world rankings Oman are currently ranked 95 and were winners of the 2009 Gulf Cup at home. "They are a superior side. They are much more technically equipped. We need to keep in mind they would be playing on their home ground and would have a home support," Savio added.

The Omani's are being coached by former French international Paul le Guen since June 2011, who coached at Stade Renne, Olympique Lyonnais, Glasgow Rangers, FC Paris Saint-Germain before going on to coach Cameroon at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

The biggest name in Omani football is in goal in their goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi, who currently plays for Wigan Athletic and has years of English Premier League experience.

The match will kick-off at 13.30 local time (15.00 IST) and there will be shown a live telecast on TenAction+.

Team India arrive in Omani capital Muscat

The Indian national football team arrived in the Omani capital Muscat today for an international friendly against Oman to be played on February 23. The 30-member probables squad have been camping in Dubai as part of their preparation for the forthcoming 2012 AFC Challenge Cup in Nepal.

Meanwhile the hosts Oman have made some changes to the match kick-off timing and venue to prepare for their upcoming final 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Thailand. As the qualifier would be played at 1.30 pm at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex on February 29, the India friendly would also be played at the same time and venue on February 23.

India Coach Savio Medeira, feels the friendly would help India gear up for the upcoming tournament in a major way. "The match against Oman forms an integral part of our preparation for the forthcoming AFC Challenge Cup. This apart, we have another international friendly lined up against Azerbaijan on February 27."

"Both the matches would help us gauge our progress," Savio added.

The Middle Eastern side Oman are presently ranked 95 in the FIFA World rankings while India are in the 154th spot. A tough match looks to be ahead for a new look India squad.

Since February 16 India has been going through various training sessions in Dubai, under the watchful eyes of coach Savio Medeira and physical trainer Pradip Dutta.

Medeira sounded pleased when asked about the practice facilities in Dubai. "The team went through rigorous exercises and stay in good shape. They have responded well," he informed. "We have a tough task ahead. This is a young bunch and many would be playing their first International Match. We need to stay focused."

India to face Oman in friendly on February 23

As part of their preparations for the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup in Nepal in March 2012 the senior Indian national football team will be playing a friendly international against Oman on February 23 in their capital Muscat.

India have been drawn in the AFC Challenge Cup's tough Group B along with former champions North Korea and Tajikistan along with rising the Philippines.

Middle Eastern side Oman are presently ranked 90 in the latest FIFA World rankings while India are in 158th position.

The squad for the friendly and the AFC Challenge Cup would be announced on a later date.