In a much-anticipated announcement, Senior Men’s National Team Head Coach Igor Stimac unveiled a list of 26 probables for the upcoming Merdeka Cup 2023. Scheduled to take place in Malaysia from October 13th to 17th, this tournament promises exciting football action featuring India, hosts Malaysia, Palestine, and Tajikistan.
The Merdeka Cup 2023: A Four-Team Showdown
The Merdeka Cup 2023 is set to captivate football enthusiasts with its four-team lineup. Besides India, the tournament will feature host nation Malaysia, Palestine, and Tajikistan. The competition format is knockout, adding an extra layer of intensity to the matches. India’s journey kicks off with a semi-final clash against Malaysia on October 13, while Palestine and Tajikistan lock horns in the other semi-final on the same day.
A Grand Finale on October 17
Mark your calendars for October 17, the day of reckoning. Not only will the final match decide the tournament champion, but it’s also the stage for the third-place match, featuring the two teams that fall short in the semi-finals.
Awaiting the Final Squad Announcement
While the 26-player probables list is out, the final roster of 23 players who will represent India in Malaysia will be disclosed in the second week of October. Football fans eagerly anticipate this crucial announcement.
The 26 Probables:
Igor Stimac’s provisional squad boasts a mix of experienced players and promising talents. Here’s the breakdown:
Goalkeepers:
- Gurpreet Singh Sandhu
- Amrinder Singh
- Vishal Kate
- Dheeraj Singh
Defenders:
- Nikhil Poojari
- Roshan Singh
- Sandesh Jhingan
- Anwar Ali
- Mehtab Singh
- Lalchungnunga
- Akash Mishra
- Subhashish Bose
Midfielders:
- Jeakson Singh
- Suresh Singh
- Anirudh Thapa
- Rohit Kumar
- Sahal Abdul Samad
- Brandon Fernandes
- Lalianzuala Chhangte
- Udanta Singh
- Vikram Pratap Singh
- Mahesh Singh Naorem
- Liston Colaco
- Nandhakumar Sekar
Forwards:
- Sunil Chhetri
- Manvir Singh
Stimac’s Full-Strength Side
The selection of these 26 probables suggests that Igor Stimac will have a formidable squad at his disposal. This is in stark contrast to India’s recent football woes at the Asian Games, where they were eliminated by Saudi Arabia.
AIFF’s Plan to Extend Igor Stimac’s Contract
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is reportedly considering extending Igor Stimac’s contract as head coach of the Indian Men’s Football Team beyond the Asian Games in 2023. Despite the team’s exit from the Asian Games, the AIFF has expressed its desire to retain Stimac’s services.
Bosnia National Team Offer for Stimac
Amidst rumors and speculation, it has come to light that Igor Stimac is being considered to lead the Bosnia national team. This development has raised eyebrows in Indian football circles. However, AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey emphasized the federation’s interest in retaining Stimac for the Indian team.
Timing Is Key
Kalyan Chaubey, President of AIFF, confirmed the federation’s intention to extend Stimac’s contract but stressed the importance of timing. With a crucial match against Myanmar on the horizon, the AIFF aims to finalize the extension and contract terms once Stimac is in New Delhi. This approach is aimed at ensuring minimal distractions for the team and its head coach.
Stimac’s Request for an Extension
Sources within AIFF have revealed that Stimac has been advocating for a contract extension for some time. His argument centers around the need for stability before the World Cup qualifiers in November. AIFF seems inclined to grant him a two-year contract following the Asian Cup in 2024.
The footballing world eagerly awaits the performance of India’s national team in the Merdeka Cup 2023 and the resolution of Igor Stimac’s coaching future, which could have a significant impact on the team’s journey to the World Cup qualifiers.
