Indian football team goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu is looking forward to the friendly against Vietnam as the Blue Tigers return to action on Saturday.

India will face the hosts in a one-off friendly at Thiên Trường Stadium in Nam Định, marking their first away match under head coach Manolo Marquez.

Appointed in July, Marquez oversaw the team during September’s Intercontinental Cup, where India finished winless with one draw and one defeat, missing the opportunity to defend their title at home.

The Blue Tigers are not only seeking their first win of the year but also aiming to boost their FIFA rankings as they prepare for the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers starting in March 2025.

"Friendlies like these are extremely important since they put us in uncomfortable situations and that's where we get to push ourselves and try to overcome the difficulties. I am sure we are getting better day by day and becoming a team that our coach envisions us to be," Sandhu told the-aiff.com.

India last faced Vietnam in 2022 on their home turf, but it was a match to forget for the Blue Tigers, who suffered a 3-0 defeat. Sandhu, who was in the starting eleven that day, spoke about how that loss served as a reality check for the team regarding where they stand.

"It was a tough game. Vietnam at that moment were doing really well. We had a good start to the game but got punished for the mistakes we made and that's what happens against good sides. From the game we learnt how far Vietnam have come as a team. A place where we want to be."

Vietnam will enjoy the support of their home fans on Saturday, presenting a significant challenge for the Blue Tigers, who last secured an away win in November 2023.

Like India, Vietnam's entire squad competes in the domestic V.League 1. The team features key players, including forward Nguyễn Tiến Linh, the highest scorer in the current squad, and midfielder Nguyễn Quang Hải, who spent a season in France's Ligue 2 a few years back.

Sandhu acknowledged that the crowd support and the technical quality of Vietnam players will pose a stern challenge for his team.

"They have players with good technical skills who like to keep possession and play fast. Playing at home for them is always an advantage as the crowd chants the whole game," the Bengaluru FC keeper stated.