We have devised plans to win each of our three games, says Stephen Constantine

The AFC Asian Cup is slated to begin in January 2019 and the Indian football team under the guidance of Stephen Constantine have made qualification for the knockout stage their top-most priority. The upcoming Intercontinental Cup is seen as the first step to prepare for next year’s elite competition.

India head coach Stephen Constantine is confident of his side’s chances in the upcoming tournament as he said that the hosts have devised plans to counter each of their three opponents in the upcoming week.

"We have broken things down and have set the plans to win each of these three games. We will use this tournament as a preparation for the AFC Asian Cup. I am aware of the quality of the players whom Kenya and New Zealand have brought in and they are playing all across Europe," Constantine said on the eve of their first match.

The Indian team led by experienced forward, Sunil Chhetri, are set to go up against multi-continental opposition in the form of New Zealand, Chinese Taipei and Kenya in the Intercontinental Cup which begins tomorrow. India take on Chinese Taipei in the opening match of the tournament in Mumbai at the Mumbai Football Arena.

Indian captain and star forward, Sunil Chhetri also spoke about how he felt honored every time he stepped onto the pitch for the Indian team in the blue jersey. Chhetri is India’s all-time top scorer with 56 goals in 97 appearances for India.

"It`s an absolute honour for me to have played for my country. I have been involved with many coaches, players, physios and staff. I love playing for India and will give my best what I can. I am fully fit," Chhetri said.