3 Malayalis in Khalid Jamil’s first India squad for CAFA Nations Cup

Three Kerala players have been included in Indian men's football team head coach Khalid Jamil's first 23-member squad announced on Tuesday.

Defender Muhammed Uvais, midfielder Ashique Kuruniyan and forward Jithin M S are the three Malayalis in the squad. Veteran striker Sunil Chhetri, who came out of retirement in March, has been left out.

Jamil, who succeeded Manolo Marquez, is preparing the national side for the CAFA Nations Cup to be held in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan from August 29 to September 8.

Another Malayali connect in the national squad is Feroz Sherif, who is the goalkeeping coach in Jamil's staff.

India is in Group B alongside hosts Tajikistan, Afghanistan and Iran. India will face hosts Tajikistan (August 29), Iran (September 1), and Afghanistan (September 4) in Hisor, Tajikistan. The group winners will play the final in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, while the two second-placed teams in each group will face off in the third-place match.

Jamil said they are prepared for the challenges, but the focus will be on "our own game and being mentally prepared". "The key is belief and playing as a unit. There is improvement, but it will take time. Focus should also be given to juniors alongside seniors, to build a strong future," Jamil said.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Amrinder Singh, Hrithik Tiwari
Defenders: Rahul Bheke, Naorem Roshan Singh, Anwar Ali, Sandesh Jhingan, Chinglensana Singh Konsham, Hmingthanmawia Ralte, Muhammed Uvais
Midfielders: Nikhil Prabhu, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Danish Farooq Bhat, Thounaojam Jeakson Singh, Boris Singh Thangjam, Ashique Kuruniyan, Udanta Singh Kumam, Naorem Mahesh Singh
Forwards: Irfan Yadwad, Manvir Singh (jr), Jithin MS, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Vikram Partap Singh