Injured Brandon Fernandes Released From India Camp As Blue Tigers Make Squad Changes Before AFC Asian Qualifiers

Indian football team's head coach Manolo Marquez has made a vital change to the squad after they were struck with an injury scare. During the India vs Maldives International Friendlies, attacking midfielder Brandon Fernandes picked up a knee issue at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong, and he had to be stretchered off the ground since he could not walk due to injury. The Blue Tigers have released Brandon from the squad and brought in right winger Udanta Singh Kumam in the squad as a replacement for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers.  

Brandon Fernandes' Release Makes Way for Udanta Singh In Team India Football

Team India secured a win after a longstanding wait of 489 days. After going through a lean phase throughout 2024, the Blue Tigers finally clinched success against the Maldives in an International Friendly. Rahul Bheke, Liston Colaco and the comeback maverick Sunil Chhetri scored headers to help Team India secure a 3-0 lead in the game and pick up some much-needed momentum. Ahead of the AFC Qualifiers clash, India underwent a change in their confirmed squad, with Udanta Singh replacing the injured Brandon Fernandes for the Bangladesh clash.

"Brandon Fernandes has been released from the Indian squad due to an injury he picked up in the match against Maldives. Udanta Singh has joined the Indian camp in Shillong. We wish Brandon a speedy recovery," as shared by the Indian Football Tea on 'X' [Formerly Twitter].

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Team India Picks Up Their First Win Of 2025, Sunil Chhetri Returns

Team India kicked off their 2025 campaign with an overwhelming win over the Maldives. The Indian team looked dominant from the start, with excellent ball possession. Rahul Bheke scored a header in the 35th minute, putting Team India ahead. Liston Colaco scored another goal, an overhead kick, in the 66th minute to put India ahead 2-0 in the competition, and comeback hero Sunil Chhetri scored the team's third goal with a magnificent header against the Maldives. This is Chhetri's 95th international goal, and he is on track to score 100 for his country, a feat previously accomplished only by Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Ali Daei.

Team India's focus will now shift to the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers against Bangladesh on March 25, 2025, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong.

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