Xtra Time Web Desk: Sunil Chhetri-led Indian men’s football team is geared up to take on Nepal in first of the two International friendlies in Kathmandu on Thursday. The two friendly matches will be an ideal preparation for India for the next month’s SAFF Championships in Maldives.
“We are happy to be here and happy to be together again. These two international friendlies will help us prepare for the forthcoming SAFF Championship in the Maldives next month.
“I just know these games will be good and we need to learn on the pitch,” India’s head coach Igor Stimac said in a media release.
The second friendly against Nepal will be played on September 5. Both the matches will be held at the Dashrath Stadium in Kathmandu.
The five-team SAFF Championships will be held from October 3 to October 13 at the National Stadium in Male.
Besides India, the other participating teams are Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, hosts Maldives and Nepal.
However, with dark clouds hovering in the sky, rain threat looms large over the match. The pitch conditions at the practice ground were already tough because of torrential downpour.
“I hope that we don’t suffer heavy rains during the matches so that we can play some exciting football,” Stimac said.