After two-year ban, want to stay focused and do more to improve: Anwar Ali

Panaji: Anwar Ali does not really need reminding of the dark days when he locked himself inside and refused to speak with anyone.

Diagnosed with a rare heart condition, the young India defender was forbidden from playing football in 2019. It took him several tests, testimonies from specialists in UK and an encouraging order from the Delhi high court to start playing again.

Among the top defenders in the country, Anwar signed on loan from Delhi FC to FC Goa midway into last season, but had to wait for his Indian Super League (ISL) debut till the transfer window opened in January.

He played all 10 remaining matches for Goa last season and now, with Carlos Pena as coach, has played every minute of the three games this season.

“It was difficult because I was banned for almost two years,” Anwar said on Wednesday. “I was very upset and stressed. I really didn’t know what to do at that time. Now I am playing football again. I want to focus on the game and do more to improve. I want to play in front of fans and show the coach that I can get better.”

One of the stars of India’s under-17 team that took part in the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2017, Anwar will now play an ISL match in front of home fans for the first time on Thursday as Goa take on the might of League Shield Winners, Jamshedpur FC.

Ahead of the game, the defender is both nervous and excited.

“I played the under-17 World Cup with fans. I am little nervous now, because this is the first time I will play in ISL with fans around. I am excited too. I hope to do better,” he said.

Jamshedpur are certain to ensure that Anwar’s debut in front of the fans at the Nehru Stadium in Fatorda isn’t comfortable. With strong strikers like Daniel Chukwu and Harry Sawyer starting upfront and Jay Thomas an option on the bench, the going may get tough for Goa’s defence, though having played the visitors during pre-season, he knows what to expect.

“I know how tough they can be, and I have played against them before,” said Anwar. “But once you enter the field, nothing should feel difficult. My only focus will be to stop them from creating chances and scoring goals and to help my team win the game with a clean-sheet.”