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Oman will be coming to the Sree Kanteerava stadium in Bengaluru expecting to win and gain crucial away points, India, the underdogs, on the other hand, won’t be too upset with a draw.
It is crucial for India that key players click and link-up well to keep Oman under control. What is also essential that the team as a unit fight every minute to ensure they get the best result possible against a much higher-ranked team.
Let’s take a look at some promising youngsters who are finally getting an opportunity to show their skill at the international level –
Jackichand Singh
Age: 23Position: Winger/ Inside forwardI-League: Royal WahingdohISL: did not play in ISLInternational caps: 2 International goals: 0
Undoubtedly one of the finds of the season, Jackichand has been an outstanding performer for the north eastern outfit Royal Wahingdoh. He has quick feet, great vision and perfect control, ideal for a winger. What makes him even more dangerous is his striker like composure and a knack for scoring goals. It is said that perfect midfielders create more than they score, this can very well be said about Jackichand, who has been the backbone and prime creator for Wahingdoh all season.
He was spotted playing football on the streets of Shillong by the club owners at a very young age. He had a tough childhood and playing in the I-League has been a game changer for this young man from Manipur.
He has been with the club since 2011 and most of these players have played together since their days of struggle in the lower divisions. Their team chemistry has been crucial both for their promotion and maiden I-League campaign.
The forward would be hoping to capitalize on his deadly partnership with Seityasen and put on a show for the fans. Jacki scored 5 goals in 18 matches for Wahingdoh this season.
Tickets for the India vs Oman match in Bengaluru on 11th June are available at www.kyazoonga.com/indianfootball.
Seityasen Singh
Age: 23Position: Winger/ Inside forwardI-League: Royal WahingdohISL: did not play in ISLInternational caps: 0 International goals: 0
He is another raw talent from Manipur. Along with Jackichand, Seityasen was instrumental in Wahingdoh’s success this year. Jackichand and he have been combining really well in midfield, playing one-two passes with a lot of flair, their fluidity and flair reminding many of us of Arsenal’s passing football, which is very uncommon in the Indian circuit.
Seitya is an attacking wide midfielder but is comfortable in the centre, playing the role of aa shadow striker or a playmaker in the hole right behind the striker. He is quick to get to rebounds and often pulls defenders away by making great runs and makes space for the striker. He finished the season for Wahigdoh with 6 goals in total. Although he hasn’t made his debut for the national team yet, it is expected that he will be a star in the future.
He made his debut for the club way back in 2011 when they played in the second division. He has been performing consistently for them and has matured as a player over time. Playing at a higher level than before has helped his progress tremendously. The nation’s eyes will be on him, and hopefully he‘ll be given a chance to be able to utilize his speed and beat Omani defenders who seem to struggle against pacy wingers.
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu
Age: 23Position: Goal KeeperClub: StabækISL: did not play in ISLInternational caps: 1 International goals: 0
The six-and-a-half foot tall goalkeeper is one of the few handful of Indians to have played abroad, completely on merit. Gurpreet is a reserve goalkeeper for Norwegian side Stabæk, who compete in the Norwegian Tippeligaen. He is considered to be one of the biggest talents to have come out of India and just recently made his European debut in a Cup match against Runar, where he kept a clean sheet and his team won the game 6-0.
He started his career at East Bengal in 2009 after being scouted from his regional academy, St.Stephens in Chandigarh. Gurpreet was second choice for East Bengal during his initial years with them, and the team management eventually loaned him out to Pailan Arrows, but he failed to make a first-team appearance.
He eventually came back to be the first team choice for the Red and Yellow Brigade but was criticised heavily for his performances in the AFC Cup. He has shown tremendous maturity as a player by bouncing back and improving as a player, both physically and mentally.
Although Subrata Paul is the first choice goalkeeper for India, he didn't have the greatest of seasons this year. So it won't be misguided to expect that Gurpreet could make a first team appearance against Oman.
Tickets for the India vs Oman match in Bengaluru on 11th June are available at www.kyazoonga.com/indianfootball.
Dhanpal Ganesh
Age: 20Position: Defensive MidfielderClub: Pune FCISL: did not play in ISLInternational caps: 1 International goals: 0
India has always struggled with the defensive midfielder's position and have often looked towards the likes of Lenny Rodrigues and Mehtab Hossain when they have been in trouble. These two players failed to keep their performances up this season, giving Dhanpal Ganesh a chance to make it into the national side.
The Pune FC graduate is the first player to sign a professional contract for the first team, straight out of the academy. He made his debut for the club in 2011 against Churchill Brothers at Fatorda Stadium. He was later loaned to Pailan Arrows, where he was very consistent with performances, making 18 appearances for them over time. He came back to Pune and became a first-team regular, and has since been featuring regularly for them, making 30 appearances for them in total.
He was called for the preparatory camp for the first round match against Nepal, where he impressed the coaches and showed tremendous promise. Constantine rewarded him by giving him his first cap for India when he came on as a substitute for Eugeneson Lyngdoh in the match against Nepal. The six foot tall midfielder could very well turn out to be the answer to all our problems in defensive midfield.
Romeo Fernandes
Age: 20Position: WingerClub: Atletico ParanaenseISL: FC GoaInternational caps: 0 International goals: 0
Romeo Fernandes is the most bankable youngster in the Indian team right now. Although he hasn’t received a call-up for the World Cup Qualifiers he deserves a mention for the sheer talent he possesses.He was scouted by a Dempo youth coach at the age of just 17 and was offered a youth contract the very same year.
He played at every level for Dempo before finally breaking into the fist team in 2011-12. In his three seasons with Dempo, he put in some impressive performances for the Goan team that caught the attention of ISL side FC Goa. At FC Goa, Romeo thrived under Brazilian legend Zico scoring 3 goals in his 11 appearances. Zico was so impressed by the youngster that he recommended him to Atletico Paranaense, who play in Brazil’s top league.
The 22-year-old did not get into the World Cup Qualifying squad as Constantine said the he had not played enough competitive football. His loan to Atletico Paranaense was cancelled so that he could play in the second Edition of the ISL. If he does impress Constantine while playing for FC Goa he would definitely be one to look at for the future.
Tickets for the India vs Oman match in Bengaluru on 11th June are available at www.kyazoonga.com/indianfootball.
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