Spaniard Manolo Marquez's head coach tenure got off to a disappointing start on September 3 as they were held to a goalless draw by 179th ranked Mauritius at the G. M. C. Balayogi Athletic Stadium in their Intercontinental Cup 2024 opening clash. Taking over from Igor Stimac, Marquez got only two days of training with the players before the clash against Mauritius and it showed. After the draw which seemed like a defeat, Marquez said that this is the worst India could play. However, he defended them saying that it is pre-season for most players and they are only going to get better.
"Boring for the spectators. The good thing is this is the worst we can play. It's clear this is the pre-season for some players, and India have had problems physically historically. We can only grow from here and will for sure be better against Syria," said Marquez as quoted by ESPN.
"We need to keep going. I told in my first press conference that the clear target is to arrive in the best possible condition to the first game of the Asian Cup qualifiers. Obviously we need to improve in all areas and I am completely convinced we will do it," he added.
The Indian team has not had a good run of late. They failed to make it to the third round of 2026 World Cup Qualifiers which led to Croatian Stimac's abrupt and controversial exit. With Sunil Chhetri retired, they lack an experienced campaigner as well.
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Chances created but no goals scored
Ranked 25th in the world, India were under pressure early in the game. In the eighth minute, Jeakson Singh's clearance saved India from conceding an early goal. In the 34th minute, striker Manvir Singh had a chance to score but he was left-footed strike was stopped by goalkeeper Kevin Obrian. Lallianzuala Chhangte created a chance with a cross from right wing but Anirudh Thapa missed his mark with the header. Mauritius had a chance to score too but the shot was just wide of the goal.
Early into the second half, India created pressure. Chhangte created another chance from the right flank but was denied by the goalkeeper. In the 51st minute, Thapa was subbed off for Sahal Abdul Samad who attacked but was denied by the defenders. No goals were scored as both teams lacked finishing touches. However, Mauritius who are ranked 54 positions below India looked a better team.
India’s next clash
India will now take on 93rd ranked Syria in their next game on September 9.
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