📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Original: Rohit Sharma
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Sports
India prioritises New Zealand friendlies over SAFF Championship
✍️ The Times of India
🗓 26 Sep 2026, 04:02 AM
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The All India Football Federation has scheduled a series of friendlies against New Zealand before the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Championship, signalling a shift in preparation strategy.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) announced that the Indian senior men’s football team will play a set of friendly matches against New Zealand ahead of the upcoming SAFF Championship. The decision, revealed in a statement on Tuesday, places the New Zealand fixtures at the top of the team’s calendar for the next few weeks.
AIFF officials said the New Zealand games are intended to provide higher‑level competition and expose Indian players to different playing styles, thereby improving match fitness before the regional tournament. The friendlies are scheduled to be held in early September, with the SAFF Championship slated for later in the month.
While the move has been welcomed by many coaches who argue that stronger opposition will sharpen the squad, some critics worry that the condensed schedule could affect player recovery. The federation, however, affirmed that the plan aligns with its long‑term goal of elevating Indian football on the international stage.
AIFF officials said the New Zealand games are intended to provide higher‑level competition and expose Indian players to different playing styles, thereby improving match fitness before the regional tournament. The friendlies are scheduled to be held in early September, with the SAFF Championship slated for later in the month.
While the move has been welcomed by many coaches who argue that stronger opposition will sharpen the squad, some critics worry that the condensed schedule could affect player recovery. The federation, however, affirmed that the plan aligns with its long‑term goal of elevating Indian football on the international stage.