Indian I-League champions Minerva Punjab FC have signed former Ghana U20 midfielder Kalif Alhassan for the remainder of the 2018/2019 season.

He is waiting for his Indian employment visa to be approved so he can join his new teammates.

The former Portland Timbers player is relishing his first footballing experience in Asia.

"I have spent a large part of my career in the United States so this is going to be a good experience for me, " he said.

"I love challenges so I think now is the right time to make the switch to Asian football. To be honest, I don't know much about Indian football but I have only heard good things about the I-League."

The unfortunate delay in the visa issuance ultimately caused him his spot in Minerva's AFC Champions League squad to face Iranian side, Saipa FC as he could not be registered in time.

"It was a frustrating January for me as I could not be physically there for the club when they had the a run of poor results.

"You can ask my intermediary, Trebol Sports International and Mdm Henna Bajaj, how worrisome I was every week.

"I was also disappointed on missing out on the Champions League squad.

"I would have used my prior CONCACAF Champions League to help to calm some nerves. This is the kind of game which all players want to compete in as you want to see how well you match up to others in the region."

Kalif will arrive in India on 14 February to help "The Warriors" get back to their winning ways and bring back the smiles of the fans again.

"Like I have said, I never shy away from challenges and in fact, thrive on them. Once I link up with the team in a few days' time, we will get down to serious business."