Optimistic Khalid Jamil opens up on AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers preprations, Jhingan's injury update

Khalid Jamil talked about the team’s preparations for the must-win AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers.

The Indian football team head coach, Khalid Jamil, attended the press conference in Bengaluru earlier today, a day before he starts the preparatory camp for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup qualifying matches. The coaches of the Indian national women’s team, U23 men’s team, and U20 women’s team were also present at the press conference alongside AIFF President, Vice President, and acting Secretary General.

The senior national men’s team is preparing for the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers in October. The Blue Tigers will play against Singapore on October 9 and 14 in away and home fixtures, respectively. Positive results are required for India to stay in the race for the qualification to the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.

Also Read: Brandon Fernandes, Asheer Akhtar called up to India camp for AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers

Sandesh Jhingan to return

In the biggest update that Jamil has given, he made it clear that India’s experienced centre-back Sandesh Jhingan will be available for the AFC Asian Cup Qualifying fixtures. The 32-year-old defender is recovering from a cheekbone fracture that he suffered in the game against Iran during the CAFA Nations Cup 2025.

Since the Iran game, Sandesh has been missing in action. He did not feature for FC Goa in the recent AFC Champions League 2 fixture against Al Zawraa as well. His importance can not be overstated for the national team as the FC Goa captain is the senior-most defender for the Blue Tigers. India will be playing Singapore in almost must-win fixtures, and his presence will massively boost the chances of winning.

He played a crucial part in India’s win over Tajikistan after 17 years, in the CAFA Nations Cup. Sandesh was not just instrumental in marshalling India’s defense, but he also troubled the opposition with his aerial presence in the final third, which also gave India a match-winning goal.

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”Without pressure I cannot work”

Jamil’s next assignment will be the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers, where the Blue Tigers have no option but to win. Following the historic achievement in the CAFA Nations Cup, the expectations will be higher for Khalid’s team, especially in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers, which will shape the future of Indian Football in the immediate future.

When asked about whether there will be pressure on him after positive results in the CAFA Nations Cup, Khalid said, “Pressure will be there definitely, without pressure I cannot work”. This authoritative reply says a lot about his indefatigable character, which he is trying to instill in India’s game as well.

Also Read: AIFF Prez Kalyan Chaubey shares his thoughts building football-only stadium in Bengaluru, Asian Games preparations and more

Winning is important

There were several questions regarding the way the Indian team pulled off results in the CAFA Nations Cup. Most of India’s goals came through set pieces and not open play. The questions reminded the national team coach of this fact, and he was asked what he would do to score more goals from open play.

“Yes, we are preparing. We have enough time,” replied Khalid succinctly. But he also emphasised that more than the manner in which the goals are scored, positive results hold greater value. “We’ll try, but the main thing is we have to win,” said Khalid, making it clear that his team will try all the methods possible to win without giving much thought to the reactions from fans and pundits alike.

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