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Here’s why Jamil doesn’t want the return of Chhetri in India national side | Football News

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The Indian football team is set for a high-profile international window, with matches against Panama, Brazil and Uruguay in a series of international friendlies beginning September 26.

 

However, the matches have already sparked discussion even before India take the field, with several senior and established players missing from the squad announced for the fixtures.

 

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Head coach Khalid Jamil has defended the selections, saying established names alone cannot guarantee a place in his team. Jamil said players were picked on merit and performance after everyone had been given an equal and adequate opportunity to stake a claim.

 

The Indian coach said the changes are part of a longer-term plan to build a team capable of qualifying for the 2027 Asian Cup.

 

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Jamil also ruled out bringing retired India captain Sunil Chhetri back for a farewell appearance against Brazil, while confirming that India will approach the three matches with an emphasis on defensive strength and flexibility.

Jamil defends squad selection

Jamil defended the 26-member squad after several established players were left out of the group for the upcoming friendlies.

 

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Former India captain Sandesh Jhingan, Rahul Bheke, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Vishal Kaith, Liston Colaco and Jeakson Singh were among the prominent names missing from the squad.

 

The head coach said he had assessed the players before making his selections and insisted that there was no distinction between senior and junior players. According to Jamil, everyone had been given an adequate opportunity to demonstrate their credentials, with performance determining who made the squad.

 

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He also indicated that players who miss out after failing to make the most of an opportunity could still receive another chance in the future. 

2027 Asian Cup qualification remains the main target

Jamil said the changes to the squad are connected to India’s preparations for the next phase of the national team’s development.

 

With qualification for the 2027 Asian Cup identified as the principal objective, the coach said the team needs to improve across different areas of the game rather than focus on one particular aspect.

 

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He specifically pointed to attacking and defensive organisation, set-pieces and the transition from attack to defence as areas where India need to be effective.

 

Jamil also stressed that players would have to take greater responsibility on the field, while acknowledging that the pressure would increase as the team prepares for important assignments.

India will not use one fixed formation

India will face three opponents who are higher in the FIFA rankings, and Jamil said he would not commit his team to one formation for all three matches.

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The coach said the tactical approach would depend on the circumstances of individual games. He mentioned systems such as 3-4-3 and 5-4-1 as possible options, while stressing that the priority would be to make India a stronger defensive unit.

 

At the same time, Jamil said India would not enter the matches simply looking to limit the number of goals conceded. He wants the team to play for victories and believes the players will need to raise their level against stronger opposition.

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Jamil backs India for strong performance

Despite the changes to the squad, Jamil said India’s recent performances against competitive opponents provide grounds for confidence in the current group.

 

He referred to matches against Iran and Oman, as well as a game against Tajikistan on their home ground. Jamil also cited India’s performances against Zimbabwe and Jamaica while making the case that the national team has been involved in competitive fixtures recently.

 

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The coach said these matches had provided the players with experience against strong opposition and maintained that India’s recent results should not be viewed as evidence that the team has been performing poorly across the board.

No Chhetri return for the Brazil match

Jamil also addressed speculation about Sunil Chhetri returning to the national team for a farewell appearance against Brazil.

 

The former India captain retired from international football in 2024, bringing an end to a career in which he became the country’s leading men’s international goalscorer and appearance-maker.

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Jamil said Chhetri remains an example for the current generation, particularly because of his discipline and continued hunger to perform. He said India needed more players who could emulate those qualities and admitted that the team misses having him around.

 

However, Jamil ruled out asking Chhetri to return for the Brazil fixture. He said India are in the process of building a new team and that bringing Chhetri back would not be appropriate. Jamil added that Chhetri’s decision to retire should be respected.

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When will India play Panama, Brazil and Uruguay?

India will begin the international window against Panama on September 26 at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru.

 

The team will then move to Kolkata for two successive fixtures at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan. Brazil will be the opponent on October 3, followed by Uruguay on October 6.

 

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Brazil are currently ranked fifth in the world, while Uruguay are 20th and Panama 44th. Uruguay will enter the India fixture under interim head coach Diego Forlán following Marcelo Bielsa’s departure.

 

The three matches will form part of India’s preparations as Jamil continues to build a squad with the 2027 Asian Cup qualification campaign as the principal target.

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South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Sydney Roosters Tips, Odds, Teams & Predictions – NRL Round 27 2026

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Allianz Stadium will play host to Friday’s
Round 27 NRL game between South Sydney Rabbitohs and
Sydney Roosters. The game kicks off at 8:00 pm with South Sydney Rabbitohs heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the South Sydney Rabbitohs vs.
Sydney Roosters
game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Friday September 4, 2026 at 8:00 pm

Where: Allianz Stadium

Bet 💰: Bet On This Match HERE

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South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Sydney Roosters Odds

South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Sydney Roosters Preview

South Sydney can secure a home elimination final against a dramatically reshaped Roosters side at Allianz Stadium. The Rabbitohs strengthened their position with a 42-22 victory over Gold Coast and welcome Latrell Mitchell into the starting centres, while Jye Gray takes over at fullback and Tallis Duncan is rested. Jai Arrow is listed at five-eighth for his 100th club appearance before Cody Walker’s anticipated interchange role. The Roosters are protecting numerous first-choice players ahead of their qualifying final, including James Tedesco, Daly Cherry-Evans, Reece Robson and Siua Wong, while Sam Walker remains sidelined by an ankle injury. Sydney won the Round 2 meeting 26-18 and has dominated much of the recent rivalry, but the scale of its selection changes gives South Sydney a clear opportunity to control possession and territory.

South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Sydney Roosters Teams

Rabbitohs team: 1. Jye Gray 2. Alex Johnston 3. Latrell Mitchell 4. Jack Wighton 5. Campbell Graham 23. Jai Arrow 7. Jayden Sullivan 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Brandon Smith 10. Keaon Koloamatangi 11. David Fifita 12. Adam Elliott 13. Cameron Murray 6. Cody Walker 14. Matthew Dufty 15. Lachlan Hubner 16. Sean Keppie 17. Jamie Humphreys 18. Euan Aitken 19. Latrell Siegwalt 20. Liam Le Blanc 21. Talanoa Penitani 22. Peter Mamouzelos

Roosters team: 1. Cody Ramsey 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Fetalaiga Pauga 4. Tommy Talau 5. Rex Bassingthwaighte 6. Reece Foley 7. Toby Rodwell 8. Spencer Leniu 9. Benaiah Ioelu 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Salesi Foketi 12. Egan Butcher 13. Connor Watson 14. Tom Rodwell 15. Taylor Losalu 16. Delasalle Vaa 17. Aston Warwick 18. Jake Elliott 19. Hayden Barton 20. Lui Lee 21. Max McCathie 22. Nat Butcher

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Emmanuel King Celebrates El-Kanemi’s 3-0 Win, But Says ‘We Have Not Arrived

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El-Kanemi Warriors head coach, King Emmanuel, says his team still has a lot to improve despite their impressive 3-0 win over UDIB of Guinea-Bissau in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round.

The Warriors secured a comfortable victory in Ikenne to put themselves in a strong position ahead of the return leg.

However, Coach Emmanuel King believes the team is still developing, noting that the current squad has been together for only about four weeks.

  • The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has made a decisive move by revealing the kick-off date for the qualifiers of the 2025 African Cup of NationsThe Confederation of African Football (CAF) has made a decisive move by revealing the kick-off date for the qualifiers of the 2025 African Cup of Nations

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“We have not arrived at that point. We are still participating. But at the right time, when we get there, you will see,” Emmanuel said when asked about his satisfaction with the team’s performance.

The coach praised his players for their hard work since the squad was formed, especially their improvement in physical fitness.

He admitted that there is still plenty of work to do, despite the three-goal advantage.

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Emmanuel King said the result has increased his confidence that El-Kanemi Warriors can reach the next round.

He described the victory as giving him “higher hopes” and said the team now has the “key” to qualifying for the second round.

The coach also thanked Borno State Governor, Babagana Umar Zulum, for his support for the club.

He equally praised the Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Poverty Alleviation and Youth Empowerment for his efforts towards the development of the team.

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With three goals separating the two sides, Emmanuel warned his players not to lose focus in the second leg.

He said the Warriors must finish the job and make their supporters happy after seeing what they achieved in the first meeting.

“We have seen what happened in the first leg, so we have no option but to go there and make our supporters happy,” he added.

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Kay Adams has lofty expectations for RB Omarion Hampton as Chargers improve their “makeshift” O-line

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Omarion Hampton is the starting running back for the Los Angeles Chargers. The North Carolina Tar Heels product is fresh off a solid but unspectacular rookie season and will look to contribute more to the team’s Super Bowl aspirations.

In a recent episode of her show, Kay Adams revealed her lofty expectations for Hampton as the Chargers have improved their previously makeshift offensive line.

“Give me Omarion Hampton, okay? He is huge,” said Adams on Sunday.

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“I actually had never met him in person, and I did. And he is so fast for how big he is, and he has the run game designs of Mike McDaniel in his absolute favor now, doesn’t he?

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“Let’s not forget he averaged 82 yards per game last year in what was an injury-ridden season behind an O-line that I’d describe as makeshift

“I just feel like this is a better situation, better O-line situation, better all the situations than any of those guys. He’s healthy. That’s what matters. I would easily say 1500 plus total yards this year for him.”

The Los Angeles Chargers revamped their offensive line for the 2026 season with numerous key free agents and rookies. It’s an improved unit on paper, with a fresh, athletic, zone-blocking scheme.

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Tyler Biadasz was brought in to anchor the interior, Cole Strange was added to improve the guard position, and Kayode Awosika steps in as a versatile option and projected starter on the interior. Furthermore, rookie Jake Slaughter was selected to compete and fit the agile blocking scheme. Trevor Penning and Alex Harkey are on the roster as depth pieces.

What’s next for Omarion Hampton?

The Los Angeles Chargers selected Omarion Hampton in the first round of last year’s draft. The versatile running back had an impressive collegiate career at North Carolina and was tipped to take the big leagues by storm.

However, injuries limited Hampton to a mere nine games (six starts) as a rookie. He did record a stat line of 124 carries for 545 rushing yards and four ground touchdowns, along with 32 receptions for 192 receiving yards and one touchdown.

Jim Harbaugh is known for running a heavy, physical, power-backfield system. Hampton, Keaton Mitchell and Kimani Vidal tick those boxes ahead of a crucial campaign for the one-time NFL Coach of the Year. His philosophy aims to wear down defenses through dense blocking schemes, downhill running and high efficiency.

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Omarion Hampton enters his sophomore season healthy. He’ll look to put up a statement performance in Week 1 against the Arizona Cardinals at SoFi Stadium on Sunday, September 13.