NorthEast United FC forward VP Suhair may have come as a surprise to many, but he has consistently demonstrated the qualities of a quality attacker. The 29-year-old displayed his talent in the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2021-22 season, contributing six goals and two assists.
Suhair, from Palakkad in Kerala, has been named to the Indian men’s national football team squad for friendlies against Bahrain and Belarus on March 23 and 26, respectively, as part of preparations for the 2023 AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers in June.
“It’s a dream come true moment for any footballer to play for his country. While returning from our final Indian Super League fixture, I received a text message from coach Stimac saying I was included in the national team camp,”.
Suhair said to Times of India.
Suhair led the Highlanders’ attack alongside Laldanmawia Ralte, Deshorn Brown, and Mapuia for the majority of the season, with the addition of Marcelo Pereira near the end.
“I cannot express how thrilled I am. It’s a proud feeling to train with the national team. I am enjoying each moment with the squad. The coach is fantastic and knows how to get the best out of each player.”
Due to a slew of injuries throughout the 2021-22 season, Khalid Jamil’s NorthEast United FC finished eleventh, with three wins, five draws, and 12 losses in 20 games. Despite an underwhelming season, Suhair was one of the squad’s standout players, appearing in the most games (19 matches).
Suhair will be joining the likes of Brandon Fernandes, Anirudh Thapa, Pronay Halder, and Jeakson Singh in the midfield unit.
“My target is to help my country win both the friendlies and the AFC Asia Cup Qualifiers in June.”
Suhair will be eager to give his all if he is given the opportunity to play for the Indian men’s national team against Bahrain at the Al Muharraq Stadium on Wednesday.
In the group stage of the 2023 AFC Asia Cup Qualifiers, the Blue Tigers will face Hong Kong, Afghanistan, and Cambodia.
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