Intercontinental Cup is a good platform to test ourselves ahead of the AFC Cup, says Narzary

SportsCafe Desk

BySportsCafe Desk, SportsCafe Editor

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Indian winger Halicharan Narzary has recently revealed that the Intercontinental Cup was a platform for Chhetri & Co to test themselves against world-class opponents ahead of next year’s AFC Asian Cup. India take on New Zealand in their final group encounter at the Mumbai Football Arena today.

The Indian football team are putting up a strong show at the ongoing Hero Intercontinental Cup in Mumbai as they lead the table with six points and a total of eight goals from just two games. The boys in blue were emphatic in their win against African opponents, Kenya, at the Mumbai Football Arena a few days ago as skipper Sunil Chhetri scored a brace on his 100th appearance for the country.

Indian winger Halicharan Narzary, who played for Kerala Blasters FC in the ISL last season, was impressive in the win against the Kenya and ahead of today’s final group stage encounter against New Zealand, he revealed that the importance of the Intercontinental Cup ahead of next year’s AFC Asian Cup.

“The Intercontinental Cup is a very important tournament for us and before the AFC Asian Cup it will be a good platform to test ourselves against some of the teams of different playing styles of the elite level, that we don’t come across often,” Narzary told PTI.

The 24-year player added that India will head into today’s match looking for a win against tough opponents in the form of New Zealand in Mumbai. A win today will secure India a spot in the finals against either Kenya or New Zealand.

“Obviously we will be playing for a win against New Zealand, but it will not be easy. It will be remarkable if we win all of our three matches going ahead into the finals of the Cup and keep the winning momentum alive till the finals,” Narzary added.

Another player who has impressed off late, striker Balwant Singh, opined that today’s game will be a ‘fresh challenge’ for the Indian team after two back-to-back wins against Chinese Taipei and Kenya.

“We have pulled off back-to-back wins but a fresh challenge lies ahead. We have to keep our head down and continue working. We are a confident bunch of lads and we hope we continue the job.

“We are are working as a unit and I feel confident to score more. As a striker, utilising opportunities and scoring goals is of paramount importance and I won’t compromise with that,” Singh said.

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