Jamil, Constantine in AIFF's final shortlist
The shortlist was finalised by the technical committee of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), which met virtually on Wednesday, in consultation with Subrata Paul, the national team director, and technical director Syed Sabir Pasha. Inputs from former coaches Bimal Ghosh and Armando Colaco, who are advisors to AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey, were also sought.
The shortlist will be given to the AIFF executive committee to choose Manolo Marquez's replacement. Marquez and AIFF mutually agreed to part ways after India's 0-1 defeat to Hong Kong on June 10.
With India likely to use the international window in September to get ready for the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers against Singapore on October 9 and 14, it is possible that an Indian or Constantine will be a favourite.
'Renedy had a good career for club and country but Khalid's performance last season with Jamshedpur FC makes him a frontrunner,' said an AIFF official who was part of the screening process on Wednesday. 'That Khalid is an Indian coach familiar with the ecosystem gives him an advantage.'
'Constantine cannot be discounted either. He has twice been in charge of the national team and has experience of international football. I think it will be a toss-up between the two,' said the official.
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