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India will take on Nepal in a thrilling international friendly at the Shree Chhatrapati Shivaji Sports Complex, Balewadi, Pune on the 31st of August and according to the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA), the proposal for the friendly was made by India.
India last played Nepal in a World Cup Qualification match. India emerged as the winner after the two legs with an aggregate score of 2-0, with Sunil Chhetri scoring both the goals. India has a strong record against neighbours Nepal with 10 wins, 3 draws and 2 losses. India will look to pick up where they left off from their last encounter.
The ANFA stated on their website that the match would act as a warm-up game for the SAFF Championships which are scheduled to be held in India in December.
This friendly would suit India as it would provide some important match practice for the national team, who are still in the World Cup Qualifiers. After back-to-back defeats to Oman and Guam, Stephen Constantine has said that he would like to play more friendly matches as he has selected a young team for the Qualifiers.
India will play the best Asian team in the shape of Iran next in the Qualifiers on the 8th of September. With the national league reached completion and the Indian Super League to resume in October, this friendly comes as welcome news for the inexperienced Indian side. The team will benefit from the friendly as it can gain experience for the upcoming World Cup Qualification tie and even the SAFF Cup.
