Gurpreet Singh Sandhu: India's Resilient Goalkeeper Sets Eyes on Asian Cup

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, India's veteran goalkeeper, gears up for an upcoming friendly against Malaysia ahead of crucial Asian Cup qualifiers. Sharing his thoughts, Sandhu reflects on past games, emphasizes intense team preparations, and expresses optimism towards India's goal of qualifying for a third consecutive Asian Cup.

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, now the most seasoned player in the Indian national football team following Sunil Chhetri's retirement, continues to make significant strides. Celebrating his 75th international appearance against Vietnam recently, Sandhu led the team as captain and notably saved a penalty. As he trains in Hyderabad, the experienced goalkeeper opens up about the squad's preparations for a pivotal friendly against Malaysia scheduled for November 18.

Highlighting the importance of the upcoming match, Sandhu explained, 'This is our final FIFA friendly window before the crucial Asian Cup Qualifiers in March. It's vital for us to capitalize on this opportunity. Having Sandesh Jhingan back in the team is a welcome boost, and with five days of training ahead, we can strengthen our team cohesion and adapt to the new system under our coach.'

Recalling their previous clash against Malaysia, where India endured a 2-4 loss in Kuala Lumpur, Sandhu expressed confidence in turning fortunes around. He emphasized learning from the past and focusing on achieving a favorable outcome in the upcoming game. Additionally, Sandhu discussed the healthy competition within the team, particularly in the goalkeeping department, acknowledging the push from peers like Amrinder Singh and Vishal Kaith. As India sets sights on a third consecutive AFC Asian Cup qualification, Sandhu remains optimistic under the guidance of coach Manolo, asserting, 'Qualifying for the Asian Cup is a must for us. We've done it before, and we must continue this streak.'

(With inputs from agencies.)