Udanta Singh Replaces Injured Brandon Fernandes for AFC Asian Cup Qualifier

Udanta Singh has been named as Brandon Fernandes’ replacement for the AFC Asian Cup qualifier between India and Bangladesh on 25 March.

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

Fernandes was injured in the international friendly against Maldives on 19 March and was replaced by Farukh Choudhary in the 38th minute at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong.

The midfielder, who was stretchered off, was seen walking along the touchline after the match with his left leg in a brace.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, India head coach Manolo Marquez confirmed that he would be ruled out of the next match.

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

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

The midfielder, who was stretchered off, was seen walking along the touchline after the match with his left leg in a brace.

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

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

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

“It’s very dangerous in this kind of action. We’ll see. I hope it’s not a serious injury, but for sure he won’t be able to play again.

Udanta last featured for India at the AFC Asian Cup in Qatar last year before falling out of favour with then head coach Igor Stimac. A traditional winger for FC Goa, Udanta has made 50 appearances for the Blue Tigers, scoring twice and providing three assists.

At club level, Udanta has enjoyed a memorable season in the Indian Super League under head coach Manolo Marquez, scoring three goals and laying on three assists in 17 appearances.