Intercontinental Cup 2019 | Have to keep working and focus on the next game, says Mandar Rao Desai

The Indian football team let slip a 2-0 lead to ultimately succumb to an embarrassing 4-2 loss at the hands of lower-ranked Tajikistan at the ongoing Intercontinental Cup. While a host of first-team regulars were offered some rest, there were a few Indian youngsters who made their first appearance for the national team.

One of them was highly rated FC Goa full-back - Mandar Rao Desai. The 27-year-old played in the left-back position and provided the assist for India's second goal with a well-placed cross from the flank that was converted by Sunil Chhetri in the 41st minute.

"The aim for any footballer is to play for the National team. It was a great feeling to make my debut. Now, I have to keep working hard and keep my place in the side. The coach believes in me a lot and I have to believe in myself too and keep going.

"I am happy that I was able to grab an assist. The team had a great performance in the first half but what matters most is the final result. Now, we have to keep working and focus on the next game," Desai was quoted as saying on AIFF’s official website.

Meanwhile, fellow debutant Narender Gehlot who featured in the 2-4 loss against Tajikistan added that making his debut with the national team was indeed an overwhelming feeling as he talked up the next game against DPR Korea.

"Wearing the India jersey was a special feeling. I was confident from the start but feel I could have done better in the second half. We made a few mistakes but now we are determined to get a good result in our next match against DPR Korea," Gehlot quipped.

Newly appointed India coach Igor Stimac heaped praise on Gehlot as he spoke about ATK striker Jobby Justin in particular.

"He is a very young boy. I did not want to risk playing Sandesh (Jhingan). But despite his absence, the defence was excellent in the first half. I am sure we will have 3-4 great defenders with time who can produce more clean sheets, as we did in Thailand.

"Jobby didn't play much against Tajikistan. But I must say I am happy with how he works on the training pitch. Everyone will get the chance to prove themselves in the coming games, including Jobby," Stimac concluded.