Mumbai: India will open their Hero Intercontinental Cup campaign against Chinese Taipei which kicks-off at the Mumbai Football Arena June 1, All India Football Federation (AIFF) announced Tuesday. The other two teams in the competition – Kenya and New Zealand will play their first match against each other the next day.
The tournament is seen as a part of preparation for The AFC Asian Cup next year in UAE. After this tournament India is also set for a exposure trip, the details of which is yet to be announced. All the four teams will play against each other once before the top two teams compete in the grand finale to be held June 10.
Speaking about the tournament India team head coach Stephen Constantine has described it as ‘very important’ for the development of the players.
“The Intercontinental Cup is a very important tournament for our progression and development. It is good that New Zealand are coming as they have a strong side,” Constantine said. He also added that the Chinese Taipei have improved a lot in the last four-five months and the Kenyans will be strong and physical.
Several players from Kenya and New Zealand have been playing their professional football across the globe and fans in Mumbai will be in for a major treat.
India’s matches:
June 1: India vs Chinese Taipei.
June 4, 2018: India vs Kenya.
June 7, 2018: India vs New Zealand.
