Life is full of surprises: Aibor Khongjee

When Aiborlang Khongjee heard that he had been picked in the national squad for a friendly against the Philippines, the Mohun Bagan player thought that it was a joke.

“I was in Shillong when Karim Bencherifa (the Bagan coach) called me up and told me, or rather hinted that I may be in the national camp. I thought he must be joking. I was surprised; in fact, a bit shocked,” the 26-year old was quoted as saying on the All India Football Federation website.

Khongjee, the 475th player to have debuted for India, said, “You never know what awaits you.

“My mom, brother and sister were very happy. But I was nervous. As the day approached, I packed my bags and landed in Goa.”

The Friday match in Siliguri ended 1-1 with Sunil Chhetri scoring for India, and Philip James Younghusband equalising for the visitors.

Chhetri’s goal was his 42nd for the national team, putting him level with Baichung Bhutia as India’s top goal-scorer.

Khongjee said that he was nervous ahead of his first international match.

“I never expected that I would be getting my first India cap against Philippines. It was only in the team meeting that I knew I would be starting. And I became nervous again.

“The nervousness stayed till the kick-off. A lot many questions cropped up – ‘Will I be able to justify my selection?’ But the moment it started, I had nothing else in mind.”

After the match, coach Wim Koevermans expressed his satisfaction with the way the Meghalayan played.

“He left a good impression in the training sessions. There were so many fans who were watching and the international football is played at a much higher tempo. His character was on display,” the Dutch coach said