The upcoming fortnight starting with an international friendly against world No. 44 Panama on Friday will offer Indian players a chance to gain valuable experience and find a new direction as a footballing nation. The match against Panama at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium is a precursor to contests against more storied opponents in five-time world champions Brazil (October 3) and two-time title winners Uruguay (October 6) at Kolkata.
But if the Khalid Jamil coached side can produce a doughty show against undoubtedly superior opponents in the coming two weeks that can induce a fresh wave of confidence and optimism into the Indian ranks. Playing against a more accomplished side, will help the players to widen their knowledge base. Panama, a tiny nation with 4.65 million population, have achieved some tall feats on the football field. Apart from qualifying for the 2018 and 2026 FIFA World Cups, they have also finished runners-up in the CONCACAF Nations League 2024-25.
These matches will also offer the Indian team and the administrators to look into the mirror and gain some understanding about the depth the standard of the game in the country has plummeted over the years. Anwarl Ali in the defence, Anirudh Thapa and Sahal Abdul Samad in the midfield and forwards Edmund Lalrindika, Manvir Singh and Rahim Ali can look forward to play a positive game to keep their fancied opponents at bay. But that is easier said than done as Panama have included 14 players from their 2026 World Cup squad, and overall, 22 out of 24 footballers have experience of playing in foreign leagues like Major Soccer League in the USA, and in Turkey, Mexico and Austria.
“Playing Brazil and Uruguay in Kolkata, after facing Panama in Bengaluru, will give the players valuable experience at the international level,” he said after announcing a 26-played squad for the three matches.
