Kamal Ghorui
Panaji: Coach Khalid Jamil has included goalkeeper Albino Gomes and defender Bijoy Varghese among the national team probables for India’s AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifier against Hong Kong later this month.Despite being the highest ranked team, India will finish their campaign at the bottom of the four-team table after being winless in five matches so far. The concluding clash is against Hong Kong in Kochi on March 31.With nothing at stake in terms of qualification, Jamil was understood to be contemplating big changes with an eye on the future. However, according to sources, Bijoy (Punjab FC) and Albino (Jamshedpur) are the only two new faces in the squad.“Even if Khalid wanted to include some younger players, they are not available since India U23 will be playing (the tri-nation series) in Arunachal Pradesh,” said a senior official. “Most of the senior team players are from Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Bengaluru FC. More than 50% of the players are from these two clubs.”Impressive youngsters like Mohammed Sanan, Mohammed Aimen, Bikash Yumnam, Vibin Mohanan, Paramveer Singh, Mohammad Suhail and Suhail Bhat are all part of the India U-23 squad for the tri-nation series against Tajikistan and Bhutan.Albino and Bijoy have been consistent performers for their teams in the Indian Super League (ISL). While Bijoy has been an automatic choice for Punjab in defence, coach Owen Coyle has counted upon Albino’s efficiency in goal as Jamshedpur make a determined push for the ISL title.Albino, who has played at multiple clubs under Jamil, including Jamshedpur FC last season, will face competition from Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and Vishal Kaith for a starting role.Sources said the AIFF has already intimated clubs about the probables.The camp will kick off in Kochi on Monday as the ISL takes a break for the FIFA international window.
