Indian football coach Igor Stimac on Saturday announced the 26-man India squad for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup. India have been drawn into group B of the tournament, and will take on Australia, Syria and Uzbekistan. The Blue Tigers are due to arrive in Doha later on Saturday, ahead of marking their fifth appearance in the Asian Cup.
India will play their opening Group B match against Australia on January 13 at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan before facing Uzbekistan on January 18 at the same venue. Stimac’s men will then move to the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor to take on Syria on January 23. Ahead of the tournament, InsideSport takes a look at the strengths and weaknesses of the Indian squad.
Strengths
India have named a formidable squad for the AFC Asian Cup. Their strength is definitely their attacking line up, with many goalscoring players available in the squad such as Indian captain Sunil Chhetri and Manvir Singh among the strikers. Ishan Pandita is another option that can come off the bench to change the course of the match. India have scoring options from midfield as well, with players like Anirudh Thapa, Brandon Fernandes and Sahal Abdul Samad more than capable of scoring for Igor Stimac’s India.
Weaknesses
India have quite a few missing players in the midfield and defence that can come back to haunt Sunil Chhetri and co in the tournament. Defensive midfielder Jeakson Singh and Glan Martins missing out from the squad will be a big blow for the Blue Tigers. Moreover, one of India’s top central defenders Anwar Ali missed out from the squad due to an injury. His absence leaves Igor Stimac with a decision on India’s center back pairing, Sandesh Jhingan is assured of a place in the starting XI. It remains to be seen who pairs with him to start as the second central defender.
Opportunities
Several Indian player will look to make this opportunity count. Players such as Pritam Kotal, who is making a comeback into the Indian team will try to cement his place in the starting XI. Sahal Abdul Samad is also making a coming back to the Indian squad despite being an injury concern. It remains to be seen if stays fit enough to get a place in the Indian starting XI.
Threats
India face a threat in the defensive areas with a number of key players missing. Defensive midfield poses a big threat to the Indian team with a host of players missing. Bipin Singh of Mumbai City FC could have been a big threat for opposition, but the player did not get a call-up. Opponent attacks can be a threat for the Indian team too, with Anwar Ali missing from the squad.
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