'We must play as a unit': Newly-appointed India coach Khalid Jamil confident ahead of CAFA Nations Cup 2025

India will start the campaign in the CAFA Nations Cup 2025 on August 29.

The Indian national team led by newly appointed head coach Khalid Jamil will be back in action on August 29 when they play their first match of the CAFA Nations Cup 2025. The Blue Tigers will be participating in the 8-nation tournament for the first time.

Addressing the media ahead of the tournament, the newly appointed head coach of the Indian national team, Khalid Jamil, has shown faith in his boys. He is confident of an impressive outing in the tournament. Unavailability of some key players has not affected Jamil’s plans as he prepares for his first international assignment.

Also Read: Khalid Jamil announces India national team squad for CAFA Nations Cup 2025

“I have not missed unavailable players”, says Khalid Jamil

The fans are wondering how Team India will fare without certain important players, but the coach is not worried about that.

“Mohun Bagan’s players were not available. That was a problem. Otherwise, I have all the players that I need. The players I have are very good,” said Khalid Jamil in the press conference.

It is important to note that Mohun Bagan Super Giant have not released players ahead of the CAFA Nations Cup 2025. The club stated that they are not bound to release players beyond the FIFA Window.

Players like Anirudh Thapa, Liston Colaco, Sahal Abdul Samad, Manvir Singh, and Deepaki Tangri are not available and will not be travelling to Tajikistan with the national team.

Mohun Bagan are preparing for the AFC Champions League 2, which is scheduled to start on September 16. The club officials accused the federation of mismanaging player injuries, leading to this decision from the ISL champions.

Khalid Jamil impressed with new players

Khalid Jamil called up some new players to the national camp, and some of them have also made it to the final squad. Expressing his thoughts on the new faces, he said, “The attitude of new players is very good.” The likes of Manvir Singh Jr, Muhammed Uvais, and Hrithik Tiwari will don the Indian colours for the first time.

The CAFA Nations Cup 2025 is also being seen as a preparation for the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers. Khalid Jamil is looking to establish his presence in the national team setup. He will try to experiment with his tactics with various combinations in the 8-nation tournament, against formidable teams like IR Iran, Tajikistan, and Afghanistan.

India will play the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers matches against Singapore on October 9 and 14. These matches will be crucial if India want to qualify for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. The Blue Tigers have failed to impress, with only a point in the first two qualifier matches.

Sunil Chhetri is still in plans

When Khalid Jamil announced the probables for the national team camp earlier this month, the most bizarre omission was of Sunil Chhetri. The former Indian Captain has not been included in the squad for the CAFA Nations Cup.

The fans were wondering whether this was the end of the road for the India legend. However, Khalid Jamil has put an end to such speculations. Addressing Sunil’s absence, Khalid had said that he wants to experiment with new players in the CAFA Nations Cup. He again emphasized this in the press conference and added that, “Sunil will be available for selection for the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers, and he is welcome.”

AIFF disappointed with the change in venue for AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers

AIFF Vice President expressed his displeasure over the recent decision from the AFC, asking AIFF to change the venue of the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers in October.

Sree Kanteerava Stadium was finalized as the venue for the AFC Asian Cup qualifier match on October 14, against Singapore. However, the Asian Football Confederation rejected the venue citing the poor maintenance of the pitch among other reasons.

“We are very sad that the match is going somewhere else. Bangaloreans have missed the opportunity for a good football match. So we are not happy about it. But it was not in our control,” said AIFF Vice President NA Haris.

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