India vs Bangladesh, football: Udanta Singh replaces injured Brandon Fernandes for AFC Asian Cup qualifier

India vs Bangladesh, football: Udanta Singh replaces injured Brandon Fernandes for AFC Asian Cup qualifier

Udanta Singh has been named as the replacement of Brandon Fernandes for the AFC Asian Cup qualifier between India and Bangladesh on March 25, the All India Football Federation said in a statement on Friday.

Fernandes picked up an injury during the international friendly with Maldives on March 19 and was replaced by Farukh Choudhary in the 38th minute, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong.

The midfielder, who was stretchered off the field, was seen walking along the sidelines after the match, with his left leg strapped up.

In the post-match press conference, India head coach Manolo Marquez confirmed that he will be ruled out of the next game.

“No, for sure, Brandon won’t be available. Yes, we will call someone. We will cover Brison, who was in the stands today. But let’s see which player – it’s really bad luck that we lost three players in the last game in ISL, plus Manvir the other day during the break session, and today, Brandon,” Marquez said.

“The pitch is very good. But if you remember the game against NorthEast, against BFC, against Mumbai, a lot of players slipped. And today, again, Brandon’s injury happened because he slipped alone.”

“In this kind of action, it is very dangerous. Let’s see. I hope it won’t be a big injury, but for sure, he cannot play again.”

Udanta last played for India at the AFC Asian Cup in Qatar last year, before falling out of favour in the plans of the then-head coach Igor Stimac. The FC Goa player conventionally plays as a winger and has featured 50 times for the Blue Tigers, scoring twice and assisting three more.

Playing under India head coach Manolo Marquez at the club level, Udanta has had a season to remember in the Indian Super League, with three goals and as many assists in 17 appearances.

Published on Mar 21, 2025