Macarton Louis Nickson Earns First India Call-Up for Bangladesh Clash
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Synopsis
Shillong, March 22 (NationPress) NorthEast United midfielder Macarton Louis Nickson has received his first call-up to the Indian national team ahead of their AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifier match against Bangladesh. The young talent has made significant contributions in the ISL and is now set to showcase his skills on the international stage.
Key Takeaways
- Macarton Louis Nickson called up to the Indian national team.
- NorthEast United midfielder celebrated his 21st birthday recently.
- Played a pivotal role in NorthEast’s journey to the ISL playoffs.
- Two goals and one assist in 20 appearances this season.
- India faces Bangladesh on March 25 in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers.
Shillong, March 22 (NationPress) Macarton Louis Nickson, midfielder for NorthEast United, has received his first call-up to the Indian national team ahead of their AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifier match against Bangladesh.
Recently celebrating his 21st birthday on March 19, Macarton has been instrumental in NorthEast’s campaign in the Indian Super League (ISL), helping the team reach the playoffs for the first time since 2020.
Joining the Highlanders in 2023 from FC Bengaluru United, he had a standout ISL season last year, participating in 14 matches.
Hailing from Karnataka, he was a member of NorthEast’s winning squad at the Durand Cup last summer, securing his place in the starting XI. This season, the defensive midfielder has made 20 appearances, contributing two goals and one assist.
His selection comes after a setback for India, as star midfielder Brandon Fernandes has been ruled out due to injury following a convincing 3-0 victory over the Maldives. Udanta Singh has been called up as his replacement.
In the recent match against the Maldives, seasoned defender Rahul Bheke (34’) and Player of the Match Liston Colaco (66’) scored the initial two goals for India with powerful headers off corner kicks. The loudest cheers, however, were for skipper Sunil Chhetri, who netted his 95th international goal with a swift header from a Colaco cross in the 76th minute.
This victory allowed the Blue Tigers to end a 15-month international winless streak and marked India’s first win under Spanish coach Manolo Márquez. The team will now face Bangladesh in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers at the same venue on March 25.
Excitement was palpable at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong, which is hosting a senior men’s international match for the first time, as legendary striker Chhetri made his return to the national team after 286 days, participating in his 152nd match.
India is set to play Bangladesh in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers at the same venue on March 25.
