Gurjinder, Adil Khan in squad for AFC Challenge Cup

Gurjinder Singh and Adil Khan are the two new faces in India's 23-member football squad, announced by national coach Savio Medeira, for the upcoming AFC Challenge Cup, which begins in Kathmandu, Nepal on March 9.

Defending champions India play their first match against Tajikistan on March 9.

Barring defender Gurjinder and Khan who play in the midfield, the composition of the team is more or less similar to the one that played in the friendly internationals recently.

Sunil Chhetri will lead the attack which also has Sushil Singh, C S Sabeeth and Joaquim Abranches.

The experienced Gouramangi Singh will marshal the defence, with Syed Rahim Nabi expected to play the role of a floater.

The midfield has Dempo's Anthony Pereira, East Bengal's Reisangmi Vashum and Salgaocar's Rocus Lamare among others.

The team leave for Kathmandu on Saturday.

The squad:

Goalkeepers: Karanjit Singh, Subhasish Roychowdhury, Arindam Bhattacharya.

Defenders: Nirmal Chhetri, Raju Gaikwad, Sameer Naik, Gouramangi Singh, Anwar Ali, Kinsukh Debnath, Syed Rahim Nabi, Gurjinder Singh.

Midfielders: Adil Khan, Anthony Pereira, Reisangmi Vashum, Rocus Lamare, Francis Fernandes, Jewel Raja, Lenny Rodrigues, Lalrindika Ralte.

Forwards: Sunil Chhetri, Sushil Singh, CS Sabeeth, Joaquim Abranches.