By Nilanjan Datta,
AIFF Media Team

SILIGURI: The Indian National Team squad reached Siliguri on Tuesday (November 12) evening for Team India’s forthcoming back-to-back International Friendlies. India first play Philippines on November 15 and then take on Nepal on November 19. Both the matches would be held at the Kanchenjunga Stadium.

The squad landed in Siliguri from their four-day Camp in Goa where they practiced at the Sesa Goa Academy and had some “fruitful practice sessions.” However, Nicolau Colaco, who suffered an ankle injury, didn’t travel with the Team to Siliguri.

“I’m happy and satisfied the manner our practice sessions shaped up in Goa. We have quite a few newcomers in the squad and they are gelling well,” National Coach Wim Koevermans stated. “I was here in Siliguri for the Federation Cup and am aware about the enthusiasm of the fans.”

“Both our matches would be tough. You can never take Philippines lightly and Nepal beat us in the SAFF Championship earlier this year,” he added.

Midfielder Mehtab Hossain informed everyone is “raring to go.”

“We headed to the Camp after some intense rounds in the Airtel I-League. Everyone in the squad is looking forward to the two matches,” Mehtab informed. “There are a whole lot of new Players who are in the squad and all of them are very talented.”

“International Matches are played at a very high intensity. Nepal are a very strong unit and so are Philippines. They have some experienced Players in their ranks,” he quipped. “Most of us have played in Siliguri earlier and are aware of the conditions. I urge the Football loving people to turn up at the Stadium to watch us play,” Mehtab added.

The Indian squad will be having an evening practice session at the Kanchenjunga Stadium on Wednesday (November 13).

The Indian squad is as follows:

GOALKEEPERS: Karanjit Singh (Salgaocar SC), Subhashish Roychowdhury (Dempo SC), Arindam Bhattacharya (Churchill Brothers).

DEFENDERS: Denzil Franco (Churchill Brothers), Arnab Mondal (East Bengal), Aibhorlang Khongjee (Mohun Bagan), Raju Gaikwad (East Bengal), Gurjinder Kumar (Pune FC), Narayan Das (Dempo SC).

MIDFIELDERS: Mehtab Hossain (East Bengal), Lenny Rodrigues (Churchill Brothers), Lalrindika Ralte (East Bengal), Rocus Lamare, Francis Fernandes (both Salgaocar SC), Clifford Miranda (Dempo SC), CK Vineeth (United SC, Victorino (Sporting Clube de Goa).

FORWARDS: Jeje Lalpekhlua (Dempo SC), Sunil Chhetri, Robin Singh (Bengaluru FC).