Indian football team forward Lallianzuala Chhangte is determined to use the experiences from the AFC Asian Cup 2023 to grow both as a player and as a leader.

The forward believes that the hard lessons learned at the continental stage in 2024 will help build stronger character and ultimately improve the team’s chances of qualifying for the 2027 edition.

The 2023 edition of the tournament was Chhangte’s first taste of top-tier continental football. Although the Blue Tigers couldn't register any wins, the Mumbai City FC captain views the tournament as an invaluable learning experience.

"We were in the same group as some of the best countries in Asia (Australia, Uzbekistan and Syria). Even though the last Asian Cup wasn't the best experience, individually, I learned a lot in terms of making the right decision at key moments. As a team, I believe that that setback shaped our character and built us into better players and better human beings as well," Chhangte said in an interview with the-aiff.com.

"Now, we're really looking forward to the next challenge. Right now, our main focus is to qualify for the Asian Cup again,” he added.

The road to the AFC Asian Cup 2027, however, is proving to be anything but straightforward. After Matchday 1, all four teams in India’s qualifying group are locked on one point, highlighting just how tight and competitive the race for qualification will be.

Now 27, Chhangte is among the most experienced players in the national setup. Having debuted for the senior team as a teenager, he wants to lead by example and give his all every time he puts on the India shirt.

"Playing for the national team is the highest achievement for a football player. And when you wear the shirt, when you have the privilege to represent your country, I feel you have to give everything. That's what I want to do every time I come to the camp. It's an amazing feeling, and I don't take this for granted. I want to make each day count and give my best for my country," said Chhangte.

India’s next test is an away clash against Hong Kong, following a frustrating goalless draw against Bangladesh. With goals urgently needed, expectations are mounting — especially from proven contributors like Chhangte, who is the second-highest scorer in the current squad, behind Sunil Chhetri.

Chhangte wants to embrace the challenge and use the pressure as motivation to elevate his performance.

"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. I like that, and it pushes me to work even harder. Every single day on and off the pitch, the way I look after myself, the way I work — it's all about being an example, especially for the young players,” he stated.

India head coach Manolo Marquez on Wednesday announced a 28-member travelling squad for the upcoming FIFA Friendly against Thailand. The entire team that had assembled for the training camp in Kolkata earlier this month has been retained for the match.

As part of their preparations, the Blue Tigers played two friendly matches on May 26 and 27. They defeated Santosh Trophy champions Bengal 2-1 on Monday, with goals from Brandon Fernandes and Ashique Kuruniyan. The following day, they secured a 3-0 victory over North 24 Parganas, courtesy of goals from Sunil Chhetri, Chinglensana Singh Konsham, and Udanta Singh Kumam.

India’s 28-Member Squad for the FIFA Friendly Against Thailand:

Goalkeepers: Hrithik Tiwari, Vishal Kaith, Gurmeet Singh, Amrinder Singh.

Defenders: Naorem Roshan Singh, Rahul Bheke, Chinglensana Singh Konsham, Anwar Ali, Boris Singh Thangjam, Sandesh Jhingan, Asish Rai, Subhasish Bose, Mehtab Singh, Abhishek Singh Tekcham.

Midfielders: Suresh Singh Wangjam, Mahesh Singh Naorem, Ayush Dev Chhetri, Udanta Singh Kumam, Lalengmawia Ralte, Liston Colaco, Ashique Kuruniyan, Brandon Fernandes, Nikhil Prabhu.

Forwards: Sunil Chhetri, Edmund Lalrindika, Manvir Singh, Suhail Ahmad Bhat, Lallianzuala Chhangte.

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2024-2025 Lallianzuala Chhangte