Indian men’s national football team is all set to play two international friendly matches in September as they step up their preparations for next year’s AFC Asian Cup finals.

The Blue Tigers who qualified for Asia’s premier competition after a successful qualifying campaign in Kolkata in June will travel to Vietnam to play these games.

India will take on Singapore on September 24 before facing the hosts Vietnam on September 27.

The Blue Tigers ranked 104th in the FIFA rankings will face a formidable test against Vietnam who are ranked seven places higher in the charts and have recently risen to prominence in Asian football.

Singapore although ranked 159th will also be expected to provide a good test for Igor Stimac’s side.

“We are happy about the upcoming challenges, and we’re looking forward to maintaining the quality of performances that we have recently dished out,” head coach Stimac told the AIFF website.

AIFF also hinted about a potential friendly match against Hero Indian Super League (ISL) outfit Kerala Blasters FC.

“The coach mentioned that efforts are being made to provide the Blue Tigers with a substantial preparatory camp, while he also remains hopeful for a practice match against Kerala Blasters ahead of their departure to Vietnam,” the AIFF statement read.