Asia Champions Trophy
The India colts will face group leaders Frenz United A in the second home match of the championship. With four points from three matches the Indians are third in Group A and Lee Johnson’s boys will aim for a win which will propel them to the top of the table
The Goan Network
PANAJI
The Indian under-19 national team will clash swords against Malaysian club side Frenz United A in the second home match of the FAM-FRENZ Asia Champions Trophy 2015 on Wednesday, September 22 at Tilak Maidan, Vasco.
The India colts had registering a solitary goal victory over another Malaysian side Felda United in early September. With four points from three matches the Indians are third in Group A of the championship and Lee Johnson’s boys will aim for a win which will propel them to the top of the table.
The Asia Champions Trophy offers a unique exposure campaign for the Indian contingent to test their mettle against different south-east Asian countries on a home and away basis, enabling the next generation India to enhance their dexterity, cohesion and chemistry.
Speaking to www.the-aiff.com, Johnson emphasized on the importance of a winning mentality which comes through testing your grit against the very best. “Frenz United are one of the best Club sides in South-East Asia and this gives us an opportunity to test ourselves against the very best.”
Effectively on paper, Frenz United stay the U-19 Malaysian national side with most players of the club representing the national colours. “It will be a tough game. They will be well organized and well drilled. We will have to make sure that we are switched on at all times and remain focused for the full 90 minutes,” the head coach, who worked at English clubs Chelsea and Crystal Palace, said. “We have good quality within the squad and it is a chance for our Players to showcase their talent in a competitive environment.”
Frenz United A are unbeaten in this year’s Asian Champions Trophy and are currently at the top of Group A with seven points. “This is a perfect opportunity for us to stamp our mark on the tournament. The boys have worked hard in training and have shown an improvement in terms of their tactical understanding of the game. They need to work hard, stay focused and try to emulate what we have been working on in training,” he echoed.
Reflecting on his wards, Lee certified: “They are a great group of lads and are capable of making the senior national team in the future. But for that they will have to continue working hard day in and day out... This most certainly is the next generation of Indian football,” he added.
