Indian team to play Iraq in friendly today

Dubai: Indian football team, currently on a two-month training camp in Dubai, will play five friendly matches here against Iraq, Kuwait, UAE and clubs Hatta and Fujairah in preparation for their third Asian Cup appearance in Doha from January 7-29.

A press briefing held at City Tower Hotel in Bur Dubai on Tuesday evening, with coach Bob Houghton and players Bhaichung Bhutia, Sunil Chhetri, Gurmangi Singh and Subrata Paul, set about announcing their stay and introducing their opponents.

Overseas camps

During their stay the team will be using Al Wasl Club's facilities for morning training and the Al Nasr Leisureland Gym for afternoon weights.

Special thanks was given to the UAE FA for hosting and sanctioning the friendlies, to the respective federations of the opposition, and to Gulf International Promotions, who regularly organise the Indian team's stay in Dubai.

Houghton stressed on the importance of overseas camps, given the poor infrastructure in India.

"We've always improved as a team when we've been together abroad before a tournament. It's more like a club spirit than a national team, because we are together for so long."

No tickets for all the friendly encounters.

Fixtures: