India to play international friendlies against Qatar and Syria

New Delhi: Indian football team will play against Qatar and Syria on December 19 and 26 respectively in what will be their last two international friendlies in the lead upto the Asian Cup in January next year.

Bob Houghton`s men, who are on a five-week training camp in Dubai, would look to improve their performance after the humiliation they suffer at the hands of Kuwait and United Arab Emirates in their last two international friendlies. India has so far played nine international friendlies in their preparations for the January 7-29 Asian Cup in Doha, Qatar. They have lost seven and won two. India had lost 0-1 and 1-2 against Thailand before beating Namibia 2-0 in September. They beat Vietnam 3-1 and lost to Hong Kong and Yemen 0-1 and 3-6 respectively last month. This month, India lost 0-2 to Iraq, 1-9 to Kuwait and 0-5 to UAE. They even lost to UAE second division side Fujairah Sports Club 0-1 last week. PTI