Chhangte says he learnt a lot in terms of making right decisions ahead of AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers

India will play Hong Kong in the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Qualifiers Final Round on June 10 in Kowloon City

Hyderabad: Winger Lallianzuala Chhangte said that India would be in the same group as some of the best countries in Asia (Australia, Uzbekistan and Syria) in the Asian Cup Qualifiers and that he had learnt a lot in terms of making the right decision at key moments.

“Now, we’re really looking forward to the next challenge. Right now, our main focus is to qualify for the Asian Cup again,” he said in a chat with aiff.com

India will play Hong Kong in the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Qualifiers Final Round on June 10 in Kowloon City.

Before that, the Blue Tigers will play a preparatory friendly against Thailand on June 4 in Pathum Thani.

“The atmosphere in the camp is really positive right now. Everyone is focused, motivated, and ready to give their best every single day, especially after the setback against Bangladesh. Everyone wants to turn things around,” he said.

With 42 caps for the national team, the 27-year-old Chhangte is one of the most experienced players in the Indian squad.

He is a two-time AIFF Men’s Player of the Year (2022-23 and 2023-24) and has won two SAFF titles, a Tri-Nation Series, and the Intercontinental Cup for India. With his club Mumbai City FC, he has won the ISL Shield, Cup and the Player of the League award.

“I feel that when the expectations are high, it shows that you are not a normal player. I’m not trying to be pompous, of course, but when you’ve been delivering for your club and country, the expectations get higher from the fans, the coach and your teammates as well,” he said.

“We are privileged to have great senior players around us like Sandesh bhai and Chhetri bhai. Personally, I’ve learned a lot from them as well.”

With 46 goals, Chhangte is the second-highest Indian scorer in ISL history behind Sunil Chhetri. In the current Blue Tigers squad, too, apart from Chhetri, nobody has scored more goals for India than Chhangte (eight). Each of those goals has something in common — the celebration.