Football

India to begin AFC Asian Cup campaign today – Check out squad, schedule and telecast details

The wait is over as the stage is set, and the Blue Tigers are ready to roar. The Indian football team is going to kick off its AFC Asian Cup campaign today against Australia in a thrilling clash at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium. After years of preparation and anticipation, the moment of truth has arrived when Sunil Chhetri and his men, and the entire nation are buzzing with excitement.

Australia may be a formidable opponent, ranked 25th in the world compared to India’s 102nd, but the Blue Tigers are no strangers to facing big names. The two teams have met 9 times before, with Australia winning 5 and India registering 3 victories. This time, however, the stakes are higher than ever, and India is determined to prove its mettle on the big stage.

A couple of weeks ago, coach Igor Stimac named India’s 26-member squad which will compete in Qatar. The squad was on expected lines with central defender Anwar Ali missing out due to an injury. While announcing the squad, Stimac acknowledged that India’s opponents are better placed at the moment. “All three of our opponents are very good technically, physically stronger with great speed. So, we are not going to have much difference in approach to all these three games, I can tell you that,” he said.

India’s 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

Group and Schedule

Where to watch?

On television, the tournament can be viewed on Sports 18. Additionally, JioCinema will also offer live streaming of all the games.