Indian Men’s Football Team head coach Igor Stimac’s plan for Asian Games 2023 has encountered significant obstacles due to fatigue and injuries. As India prepares for the crucial match against Bangladesh in the Asian Games 2023, Stimac faces major concerns. The team, led by Sunil Chhetri, lacks adequate reinforcements as they approach their second tournament clash. India vs Bangladesh in Asian Games will be live-streamed on Sony Network.
The challenge looms large as three key players, namely Rathi, Lalchungnunga, and Bryce Miranda, contend with cramps, potentially risking injury should they participate in Thursday’s game. Complicating matters further, three players, namely Gurkirat Singh, Narender Gahlot, and Aniket Jadhav, were recently involved in Asian club competitions held on Monday and Tuesday.
Uncertainty surrounds Deepak Tangri’s availability from Mohun Bagan Super Giant, with doubts expressed by India’s head coach, Igor Stimac, regarding his participation. The potential replacement, Jeakson Singh, hinges on Kerala Blasters granting permission for his travel.
As a result, India may find themselves with only 21 players, rather than the usual 22. To secure a spot in the round of 16, India now faces the imperative task of defeating Bangladesh in their upcoming match, followed by a fixture against Myanmar scheduled for September 24. Despite the formidable challenges in their preparation, achieving this goal would have appeared more attainable.
Despite a brave first half performance, India fell to hosts China 1-5 in their opening group game at the Asian Games 2023 on Tuesday. Rahul KP scored India’s only goal in injury time of the first half.
Indian Men’s Football Team for Asian Games:
- Goalkeepers: Gurmeet Singh, Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem.
- Defenders: Sumit Rathi, Narender Gahlot, Deepak Tangri, Sandesh Jhingan, Chinglensana Singh, Lalchungnunga.
- Midfielders: Amarjit Singh Kiyam, Samuel James Lyngdoh, Rahul KP, Abdul Rabeeh, Ayush Dev Chhetri, Bryce Miranda, Azfar Noorani, Vincy Barretto.
- Forwards: Sunil Chhetri, Rahim Ali, Rohit Danu, Gurkirat Singh, Aniket Jadhav.
- Head coach: Igor Stimac