India to play North East United ahead of FIFA World Cup qualifier

The Indian men’s national football team is scheduled to take on Indian Super League outfit North East United FC (NEUFC) in a friendly ahead of its FIFA World Cup qualifier.

Igor Stimac’s men will prepare for the Bangladesh test by facing last season’s ISL playoff side on October 9 at the Indira Gandhi International Stadium in Guwahati, where they are currently undergoing training. There will be a reunion of sorts on the touchline when NEUFC coach Robert Jarni sets out to outwit his former Croatian team-mate Stimac.

‘Great opportunity’

Jarni said, “It’s a great opportunity for us to play the Indian national team before we begin our season. I am sure it will be a fantastic match and will help both sides prepare for the upcoming fixtures.”

India will face 187th-ranked Bangladesh at the Salt Lake Stadium on October 15.