AFC Asian Cup 2023: India to face Australia, Uzbekistan and Syria, announce strong team for Qatar blockbuster

The Indian football team has already landed in Qatar, where the quadrennial continental meet is scheduled to take place from January 12 to February 10, 2024.

AFC Asian Cup 2023

India has been placed in Group B alongside Australia, Uzbekistan, and Syria for the AFC Asian Cup 2023. On Saturday, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) revealed the 26-member Indian men's football team for the tournament. The squad has already landed in Qatar, where the quadrennial continental meet is scheduled to take place from January 12 to February 10, 2024.

ALSO READ | AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023: All groups, Team India schedule and where to watch in India

Head coach Igor Stimac has selected a formidable lineup for the tournament, considered the premier men's football competition in Asia. The squad includes key players such as striker Sunil Chhetri, goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, and defender Sandesh Jhingan. Despite initial doubts due to injuries, Anirudh Thapa, Brandon Fernandes, and Sahal Abdul Samad have all made the final squad for the Qatar campaign.

The Blue Tigers will commence their journey against Australia on January 13 at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan, followed by a match against Uzbekistan on January 18 at the same venue. The Indian men's football team will then move to the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor to face Syria on January 23 for their final group game.

The AFC Asian Cup 2023 marks India's fifth appearance at the continental tournament, following their participation in 1964, 1984, 2011, and 2019. Apart from a runner-up finish in 1964, India has not progressed beyond the group stages in subsequent editions.

India’s group-stage schedule for AFC Asian Cup 2023:

January 13, 2024 – Australia vs India - Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium

January 18, 2024 – India vs Uzbekistan - Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium

January 23, 2024 – India vs Syria - Al Bayt Stadium

AFC Asian Cup 2023 Indian men's football team squad:

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

AFC Asian Cup 2023: How to watch live in India?:

Although it has not been officially revealed, reports suggest that Sports18 will be the designated channel for fans to catch the live action of the AFC Asian Cup 2023 in India.

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