\u201cFrom the first meeting itself, the coach told us about the main goal, which is in March \u2013 the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers. We have to reach there with a clear mind of what we must do and execute it. He told us that through the September, October, and November FIFA International Windows, the coaches would keep feeding us information, which ultimately needs to reflect on what we do on the pitch in March,\u201d Bheke told AIFF's official website.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
While qualifying for the Asian Cup is one of the Blue Tigers' key targets, the actual objective goes far beyond it.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve built a good base by qualifying for the last two Asian Cups, something that India have never done before. The coaches have made it clear to us that in order to ensure progress, we as a team need to negotiate the group stage through to the knockout rounds,\u201d said Bheke.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Manolo Marquez era began on Tuesday as India drew 0-0 against Mauritius. While the long-term objectives remain fixed, the Blue Tigers, for now, look to register improvements in every match - their next challenge is the one against Syria on Monday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a must-win match for us. We are the ones playing on home soil, and our target is to win this game. We\u2019ve done some good things in the last match, and we must now ensure that we continue to do the same while further improving in other areas,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cYes, for all intents and purposes, it is a FIFA International Window, and not as much like a tournament, but if we win it, there\u2019s still a medal waiting at the end,\u201d he said. \u201cWe need to win, but we must also get better every game,\u201d added Bheke.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
India have scored two goals in the eight matches that they have played in 2024 so far. With India\u2019s former captain and star striker Sunil Chhetri having hung up his boots, questions have risen as to who will take up the mantle of the scorer-in-chief.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Bheke believes that it is more a matter of the team, rather than any individual, working together to fill in the boots.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
India have scored two goals in the eight matches that they have played in 2024 so far. With India\u2019s former captain and star striker Sunil Chhetri having hung up his boots, questions have risen as to who will take up the mantle of the scorer-in-chief.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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