By Joseph Solomon, 

AIFF Media Team

VASCO (GOA): The Indian U-19 National Team gears up to face Thailand’s Chonburi FC in their third and last home match of the FAM-FRENZ Asia Champions Trophy 2015 at the Tilak Maidan in Vasco, Goa on Wednesday (October 14, 2015). The kick-off for which is at 4PM IST.

The Indian colts have garnered seven points out of four matches and find themselves at third, courtesy goal difference albeit tied at points with Malaysia’s Frenz United A and Chonburi FC. However a win against Chonburi FC come Wednesday will propel the Indian contingent to first place in Group A.

As part of the learning curve, the Asia Champions Trophy 2015 offers a unique experience for the Indian colts to play against some of the best Club Teams in Asia, all within a competitive environment which will eventually evolve them.

Talking exclusively to www.the-aiff.com, Head Coach of the Indian U-19 National Team Lee Johnson expressed the importance of competitive matches in a Player’s career. “It is important for a Player to play in such competitive games as it gives them a number of different experiences which helps aid their development”

“The Asia Champions Trophy has given an opportunity to our Players to test themselves against some of the best club Teams in Asia”, added Johnson.

Although the Indian colts had lost the away fixture against Chonburi FC 4-2, the contingent has form on their side as they come on the back of a 2-1 win over Malaysia’s Frenz United A in mid September. And according to Johnson, “the squad will look to emulate the same performance (against Frenz United A) against Chonburi FC on Wednesday”.

“We played well against Frenz United A and won the game. If we play to our potential against Chonbri FC, we have a good chance of defeating them”, stated Johnson.

“However, we respect our opponents and the Players need to remain focused and concentrate when they play on Wednesday.”

“There is no room for error as they (Chonburi FC) are the National Champions of Thailand and one of the best Teams in the region”, Johnson added.

Although the Indian colts are gunning for qualification into the knock-out stages of the Competition as they find themselves at level pegging with Frenz United A and Chonburi FC on points, the next two fixtures including an away tie against Group Leaders Frenz United A will be crucial and deciding in their Asian campaign.