Vanuatu has eagerly accepted an invitation from the All Indian Football Federation (AIFF) to compete in the Intercontinental Cup 2023 tournament, set to take place in India in June. The prestigious four-team tournament will be held in Bhubaneswar, India, from June 9 to 18.
The AIFF has been successfully organizing the Intercontinental Cup tournament since 2018, with the inaugural edition held in Mumbai followed by the 2019 event in Ahmedabad. The upcoming tournament in June marks the third edition of this exciting competition.
Joining Vanuatu in the 2023 tournament are Lebanon, Mongolia, and the host nation, India. Bhubaneswar, known for its exceptional infrastructure developed for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, will provide a remarkable stage for the participating teams.
This tournament presents a unique opportunity for Vanuatu to face India and Mongolia for the first time in their football history. They have previously encountered Lebanon on six occasions, adding an element of anticipation and challenge to the upcoming matches.
VFF and OFC President Lambert Maltock has officially confirmed Vanuatu’s participation and has entrusted the coaching department at VFF Haus to assemble a competitive team. VFF Technical Director Peter Takaro envisions a squad that includes potential players for the national Olympic team, aligning the team’s development with future competitions.
Head Coach Etienne Mermer echoes this sentiment, recognizing that the recent tri-nations international friendly in Fiji showcased several promising players for the national Olympic team. This tournament serves as a crucial platform to further prepare the national soccer team for the upcoming Pacific Games scheduled for November in Honiara.
President Maltock reflects on the positive relationship between Vanuatu and Indian football, which began in 2018. Following his election as OFC President in Russia, Maltock extended an invitation to the Indian U16 team to visit Vanuatu. Furthermore, a bilateral agreement was signed with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) this year, solidifying AFC’s support in football development across Oceania.
The Intercontinental Cup 2023 tournament comes at an opportune time for Vanuatu, aligning with their preparations for major events like the Pacific Games. This international competition serves as a platform for growth, collaboration, and the advancement of football in Vanuatu.
