Lyngdoh eyeing fruitful return

Last time the Indian team was involved in an international fixture, the FIFA World Cup qualifier tie against Turkmenistan, Eugeneson Lyngdoh was home nursing a hairline fracture on his fibula.

But now, when the Stephen Constantine-coached side line up against Laos in their Asian Cup qualifiers play-off on Thursday, expect the midfielder to be among the eleven that take the field. Lyngdoh is among the seven Bengaluru FC players who have been called up for national duty. “It’s been a while and I have had a few games under my belt, so it seems good to me,” Lyngdoh said about his injury.

Lyngdoh believes that a win in the play-off is of utmost importance as it would give them more opportunities to play competitive games this season. “For us it’s important that we win this (play-off) and enter the group stages,” he stated. “That would mean more games and more games mean more opportunities for us to play better, improve ourselves and show that even India can play good.

“I think we have the talent in our country. It’s just about giving ourselves the opportunity to play as a team and prove ourselves against the best in the business,” he pointed.

To make a comeback into the to national side is never an easy job, especially for Lyngdoh who plays in the midfield — an area where Constantine seems to be spoilt for choice. But the Bengaluru medio remains confident. “For me, there’s no better joy than playing for my country. When it comes to the national team, my only aim is to give my best. And it won’t be any different this time too. I will do whatever I can so that we can get those victories. Rest is up to the coaching staff,” said the 29-year-old.

Having watched a handful of Laos players when his club (Bengaluru FC) took on Lao Toyota FC in an AFC Cup group stage game, Lyngdoh is wary of their challenge. “I don’t think they (Laos) are any pushovers. They are a good side. And the guys who played against us (Bengaluru FC) were brilliant, technically sound, gifted players. We will have to fight it out against them. I am expecting a close game,” he opined.
DH News Service