'Dinpuia deserved a chance...' - Fans react to India's final squad announcement for Afghanistan game

Published at :March 15, 2024 at 1:29 PM

Modified at :March 16, 2024 at 12:05 PM

India’s squad will see some new faces in the upcoming games.

On Friday, March 15, 2024, a contingent consisting of 25 players from the Indian Senior Men’s Team embarked on a journey to Abha, Saudi Arabia. They will engage in a pivotal away fixture against Afghanistan as a part of Round 2 in the qualifying stages for both the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup 2027.

The Blue Tigers are geared up for the challenge awaiting them on March 21, 2024, when they will clash with Afghanistan in Abha. The match is scheduled to kick off at 12:30 am IST (March 22), marking a significant moment in the team’s journey towards international recognition.

Following this crucial away fixture, the Indian team will return to home soil to face Afghanistan once more. The stage for this encounter is set at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on March 26, 2024.

After the squad announcement by head coach Igor Stimac, there were strong reactions from football enthusiasts all over India. Let’s dive deep into the how the Indian football fraternity reacted to the squad.

Nanda and Puitea notable drops for me, citing midfield problem Puitea was the key! Let's see what Igor has in his mind! A decent squad against a feeble opponent must win games up ahead! #Indianfootball https://t.co/kygnl05Q9E
— Playmakerindia (@playmakerind) March 15, 2024

So many full backs and only 2 natural CBs.Laldinpuia deserved to be in the list for sure.He's easily the best Indian CB this season in ISL.Calm and composed on the ball and rarely makes any mistake in defending. https://t.co/okfCBoHtKb
— Rishi Srivastava (@Rishi_1905) March 15, 2024

Finally A well deserved call by Igor chacha to exclude Ishan fraud from Team & to include Imran ,Amey & Jay Gupta !Congratulations Jay Gupta on your maiden National team call up !#IndianFootball https://t.co/81U1PPCGs8
— Navin Mittal (@Navinsports) March 15, 2024

Its for the first time I am really happy about the squad selection. Puitea is missing(thats the only problem)RAHUL KP, ISHAN PANDITHA,PRITAM KOTAL🤣They got what they deserved🔥. #IndianFootballForwardTogether #BackTheBlue https://t.co/RHHh9L3AAL
— mastermind24 (@anandu8199) March 15, 2024

Looks like Rahul Bheke and Anwar Ali might start as a CB, probably no chance for Jay Gupta. Mishra and Poojary as full backs. We will surely miss Sandesh paji 🇮🇳✌️
— Shubham Metange (@shubhammetange) March 15, 2024

Lalchungnunga, Puitea & Nandhakumar Sekar notable drop. Big opportunity for Jay Gupta, Imran Khan & Amey Ranawade.#IndianFootball
— Hiren Patel (@curiousharry19) March 15, 2024

As team India looks to take on Afghanistan in both home and away fixtures in the World Cup Qualifiers, excitement rises among the Indian football fans. Fans are hoping for a next-round qualification and have reacted with positive comments and support. Now let’s see how Igor Stimac and his men keep the expectations of the country and perform in the upcoming games.

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