Having recently hosted the FIFA World Cup in 2022, Qatar is now preparing for another significant continental football event – the AFC Asian Cup 2023. Under the guidance of coach Igor Stimac, the 102nd-ranked Indian football team aims to deliver an inspired performance in this crucial tournament.
Despite being labelled the ‘sleeping giant,’ the Indian team has yet to fully meet expectations. Positioned as the lowest-ranked side in Group B at the AFC Asian Cup 2023, India faces formidable opponents in 2015 winners Australia, Uzbekistan, and Syria. Their opening match against Australia, scheduled for Saturday, revives memories of their 2011 encounter, which ended in a 4-0 victory for the Socceroos. AFC Asian Cup Live Streaming in India will be available on JioCinema while Sports18 will telecast it.
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However, the Indian squad grapples with injury challenges, sidelining players like Anwar Ali and Ashique Kuruniyan. Despite fitness concerns, Sahal Abdul Samad initially joined the squad but was later ruled out due to an ankle injury.
India’s AFC Asian Cup 2023 matches –
January 13: Australia vs India (17:00 IST)
January 18: India vs Uzbekistan (20:00 IST)
January 23: Syria vs India (17:00 IST)
India’s squad for AFC Asian Cup 2023 –
Goalkeepers: Amrinder Singh, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Vishal Kaith
Defenders:Akash Mishra, Lalchungnunga, Mehtab Singh, Nikhil Poojary, Pritam Kotal, Rahul Bheke, Sandesh Jhingan, Subhasish Bose
Midfielders:Anirudh Thapa, Brandon Fernandes, Deepak Tangri, Lalengmawia Ralte, Liston Colaco, Naorem Mahesh Singh, Sahal Abdul Samad, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Udanta Singh
Forwards:Ishan Pandita, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Manvir Singh, Rahul Kannoly Praveen, Sunil Chhetri, Vikram Partap Singh.
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