India to Compete in Tri-Nation Tournament with Lebanon and Vietnam in October
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During the October 2024 FIFA window, the senior Indian men’s football team will play in a Tri-Nation friendly competition in Vietnam. India, the host nation, Vietnam, and Lebanon will compete in the competition. Vietnam is ranked 116th, Lebanon is ranked 117th, and India is ranked 124th in the most recent FIFA rankings, making this an extremely competitive tournament. The senior team is competing internationally for the first time since they just missed making it to the third round of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers. India’s quest for qualifying came to an end in the second round matchup against Asian Champions Qatar.
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As a result of Igor Stimac’s contract being terminated, the Indian team will play without a head coach. After the side was unable to advance to the third round of the World Cup Qualifiers, Croatian national Stimac announced his resignation from the position, causing a rift with the All India Football Federation (AIFF). Indian football is entering a new era as the AIFF is now in the process of selecting a new head coach. The team will also be missing its all-time leading scorer, Sunil Chhetri, who announced his retirement from international football on June 6 following a goalless draw with Kuwait at Salt Lake Stadium. The loss of Chhetri creates a big hole in the team, which makes things more difficult for the group.
Schedule of Tri-Nation tour for India
- October 9: India vs. Vietnam
- October 12: Lebanon vs. India
- October 15: Lebanon vs. Vietnam
For the Indian squad, which is trying to rebuild and forge a new identity under the new head coach, the event will be a critical test. Playing against teams with better rankings, like as Vietnam and Lebanon, will provide the squad invaluable experience and a chance to assess its development.
