AFC Asian Cup qualifiers: Liston Colaco desperate to play Kolkata – As India embarks on an exciting journey at the AFC Asian Cup, eyes will be on India’s new football superstar Liston Colaco, who will look forward to playing in front of his home crowd. India will play 3 group stage qualifiers against Cambodia, Afghanistan and Hong Kong. Colaco, who is currently one of the key members of the squad, will be keen to shine for the Men in Blue. Follow AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers Live & Indian Football Live Updates with InsideSport.IN
The Goa youngster burst onto the soccer scene following his incredible performance in the Indian Super League. Impressed by his debut season with Hyderabad FC, Kolkata Giants ATK Mohun Bagan signed him last season and the young forward did not disappoint with his performances.
AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers: India’s superstar striker Liston Colaco desperate to perform in front of home crowd in Kolkata – Check Out
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Salt Lake Stadium, often referred to as the “Mecca of Indian football”, will provide the opportunity for the Blue Tigers to take on Cambodia in their first Group D game of the AFC 2023 Asian Cup qualifiers – third round on Wednesday .
The Goan-born striker is no stranger to the Salt Lake stadium, however, having featured for his club ATK Mohun Bagan in the recently completed AFC Cup group stage fixtures. However, Liston, who made his senior debut just over a year ago, has yet to play at home, let alone Kolkata as a representative of the national team.
Liston Colaco made his debut for India last year in 2021. In total he has played 9 games for the men in blue but has yet to find the back of the net in the national colours. Expect Colaco to form an impressive partnership with skipper Sunil Chhetri ahead of time as the duo would seek to wreak havoc on the opposition.
AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers: India’s superstar striker Liston Colaco desperate to perform in front of home crowd in Kolkata – Check Out
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“It will be a very proud moment for me to realize what every boy dreams of playing for their country. I got a taste of the atmosphere before when I played for ATK Mohun Bagan. The fans here in Kolkata are crazy about football. I hope they come to the games to cheer for the national team in the same way.” said Colaco.
Liston, who signed for city giants ATK Mohun Bagan last season, scored 4 goals in Kolkata AFC Cup along with 8 goals in last ISL season for the Green and Maroons.
However, he is keen to check off his record for the national team. The 23-year-old is hoping the moment will arrive in the next week and pass on his rich streak of form.
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– Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) June 6, 2022
“I’ve waited a long time (for the first India goal). I’m hoping to score one if not 3-4 goals in those three games.” joked Colaco. The goal of helping India cross the finish line in terms of qualifying for the 2023 AFC Asian Cup is not lost for Colaco either.
AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers: India’s superstar striker Liston Colaco desperate to perform in front of home crowd in Kolkata – Check Out
“Firstly, it will be a huge achievement for the national team and for a player it’s the platform to rise and play at the highest level.” he said.
Colaco is considered one of the future stars of the national team. Colaco believes that the current squad filled with young players like him can form the core of the national team in the next decade to make India a top football team in the region.
“If we keep improving like we always do in training. I think this young group is talented and hardworking. So if we keep that up, we can certainly achieve even greater things for the national team in the near future,” said Colaco.
AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers: India’s superstar striker Liston Colaco desperate to perform in front of home crowd in Kolkata – Check Out
