India is set to play against Tajikistan, North Korea and Syria in the upcoming Intercontinental Cup which will be played in July.
After Kings Cup, India set to lock horns with Tajikistan, North Korea and Syria in the Intercontinental Cup.
In FIFA rankings, Syria is ranked 83, Tajikistan is ranked 120, North Korea is ranked 121 and India is ranked 101.
TransStadia, Ahmadabad will be the host for the tournament. TransStadia was also the homeground for Chennaiyin FC in their AFC Cup campaign.
Most of the North Korean players play in the DPR Korea League except Han Kwang-Song and Choe Song-Hyok who play in Italy, Ri Yong-Jik plays in Japan and Pak Kwang-Ryong plays in Austrian Bundesliga. Their Captain and Goalkeeper Ri Myong-Guk has made most number of appearances for the team. Pak Kwang-Ryong and Jong II-Gwan play a crucial role for North Korea in their forward line.
In Tajikistan national football team, Apart from Siyovush Asrorov who plays in Malaysian Super League, Zoer Juraboev who plays in Uzbek league, Khurshed Beknazarov who plays in Indonesia league and Muhammadjon Loiqov who plays in Belarus first division, All others play in Tajik league. Fatkhullo Fatkhuloev has made most number of appearances for the team and Manuchekhr Nasrulloyevich Dzhalilov is their top scorer.
Syria is the toughest opponent for Indian team. Currently their Elo ranking is 74. Most of the Syrian players are playing in the Syrian Primer league and some are playing in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Lebanon, Kuwait, Egypt leagues etc. Mohammed Osman is playing for Heracles Almelo which plays in Dutch top division, Aias Aosman plays for Dynamo Dresden in Germany and Gabriel Somi plays for New England Revolution in United States of America. Firas Al Khatib is the captain of the team.
Intercontinental Cup will be a good test for Igor Stimac and his men.