India Eye Winning Start Under Manolo Marquez in Friendly Against Thailand

The Indian men’s football team will kick off a new era under head coach Manolo Marquez as they face Thailand in an international friendly at the Thammasat Stadium in Pathum Thani on Wednesday. This marks Marquez’s first game in charge since taking over as full-time manager after leaving FC Goa, and he will be eager to make a strong impression. With Sunil Chhetri back from retirement and leading the attack, India will look to rediscover their scoring touch against a tricky Thai side.

The match serves as crucial preparation for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifier against Hong Kong on June 10. The return of legendary striker Sunil Chhetri adds experience and firepower to India’s frontline, with the 40-year-old expected to play a key role in Marquez’s plans. He will be supported by the pace and creativity of Lallianzuala Chhangte and Liston Colaco, both in fine domestic form. Youngster Suhail Bhat, who impressed in the Super Cup, could also earn his debut as Marquez experiments with new combinations.

The midfield will rely on the likes of Brandon Fernandes and Udanta Singh, while Nikhil Prabhu—a standout for Punjab FC—might get a chance to showcase his defensive midfield prowess. At the back, India will welcome the return of Anwar Ali, whose composure and ball-playing ability could add a new dimension to the defense. However, established centre-backs Sandesh Jhingan and Rahul Bheke, coming off strong ISL campaigns, are likely to retain their spots. Marquez’s tactical approach will be under scrutiny, with fans eager to see if he opts for a possession-based style or a more pragmatic setup.

The friendly offers a chance to test defensive resilience against Thailand’s quick, technical attackers ahead of the Hong Kong qualifier. Both India (ranked 127th) and Thailand (101st) are using this match as a warm-up for their respective Asian Cup qualifiers, with the War Elephants set to face Turkmenistan. Marquez emphasized the importance of the game, stating, “It’s a good friendly for both teams as we are in a similar situation.” A positive result would boost India’s confidence, but the bigger priority will be assessing squad depth and fine-tuning strategies. With debuts possible for emerging talents and a new coach at the helm, this encounter promises intrigue as the Blue Tigers begin their road to the 2027 Asian Cup.