'They are strong sides and have done well recently. But we must focus on our own game and be mentally prepared.'
Indian senior men’s national team head coach Khalid Jamil is not too keen to look far into the future and wants to take it one game at a time.
The AIFF on Monday, revealed the 23-member squad for the CAFA Nations Cup starting August 29.
After the CAFA Nations Cup, Jamil will face a sterner test as India play Sungapore home and away on October 9 and 14 in the Asian Cup qualifiers. The Indian team is currently in a difficult position in its bid to qualify for the continental showpiece.
"My focus now is on this tournament. This is the first step. After this, we will see. For the next three-four matches (of Asian Cup qualifiers till March 2026), there is still time.
"This tournament is a very good preparation for the next three matches (of Asian Cup qualifiers). We will play against stronger and quality teams (at CAFA Nations Cup). And we have to see where we can improve so that we can qualify (for the 2027 Asian Cup)."
"We have limited time, so preparation is short-term, but once we progress, we can think about the next steps,” Jamil said at a press conference on Monday.
On the challenges ahead, he said, “Yes, we have information on Tajikistan, IR Iran, and Afghanistan. They are strong sides and have done well recently. But we must focus on our own game and be mentally prepared. The key is belief and playing as a unit. There is improvement, but it will take time. Focus should also be given to juniors alongside seniors, to build a strong future.”
India will face hosts Tajikistan (August 29), IR Iran (September 1), and Afghanistan (September 4) in Group B of the CAFA Nations Cup 2025, in Hisor, Tajikistan. The group winners will play the final in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, while the two second-placed teams in each group will face off in the third-place match.
Jamil stressed the importance of unity and professionalism in the team. He said, “The players are professionals. Once they enter the ground, they are focussed. For me, there is no excuse. Everyone is working hard. We will play as a team, adapt with whoever is available, and give opportunities for new players to prove themselves and become stars.”
The head coach announced the 23-man India squad for the CAFA Nations Cup 2025 after the press conference. The Blue Tigers will depart for Tajikistan in the wee hours of Tuesday, August 26, and will train there for the next few days before the tournament.
'Jamil's appointment as India Coach a matter of pride'
All India Football Federation (AIFF) President Kalyan Chaubey believes it is a matter of pride that a domestic ex player is given the Head Coach job, reflecting on Khalid Jamil's appointment as head coach for the Indian Senior Men's National Team.
AIFF earlier this month signed Khalid Jamil for a two-year contract, with an option to extend for another year, as the head coach of the Indian Senior Men's National Team.
Jamil took charge of the national team on a full-time basis and began his first training camp on August 15 at the Dravid-Padukone Centre for Sports Excellence in Bengaluru.
"I believe that our top priority is to have confidence in ourselves. When an Indian becomes [Khalid Jamil] a coach for India's national team, it is a matter of pride for us," Kalyan Chaubey told the media.
Jamil's first assignment with the Blue Tigers will be the CAFA Nations Cup, where India will face hosts Tajikistan (August 29), Iran (September 1) and Afghanistan (September 4) in Group B. In the October FIFA Window,
India will play two crucial AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifying matches against Singapore (October 9 and 14).
NA Haris, Vice-President AIFF on Khalid's appointment, believes that he will bring a significant difference in football for India.
"We have given an opportunity for an Indian coach to train the Indian players. Khalid Jamil has also been an Indian player. I am sure that we will bring a great difference in football in our country," Haris said.
Fixtures for India:
August 29: Tajikistan vs India, Hisor Central Stadium, 2100 IST
September 1: India vs IR Iran, Hisor Central Stadium, 1730 IST
September 4: Afghanistan vs India, Hisor Central Stadium, 1730 IST
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