AFC U-23 Asian Cup Qualifiers LIVE: India will lock horns with Kyrgyz Republic in a do-or-die last league match of the AFC U-23 Asia Cup qualifiers on Sunday, hoping to qualify for the tournament proper of the continental youth championship.
India will not only have to win their match but also hope that result of the other game in Group E too goes in their favour.
The Indians beat Oman 2-1 but lost to the hosts UAE in their previous matches.
“We are treating the match against Kyrgyz Republic as any other game,” head coach Igor Stimac said prior to the crucial game.
AFC U-23 Asian Cup Qualifiers LIVE: India face Kyrgyz Republic in do or die match- Follow LIVE updates
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Asian Cup Qualifiers LIVE: India have three points from two matches, and a win against Kyrgyz Republic will brighten their chances of qualifying for the AFC U-23 Asian Cup, scheduled to be held next year in Uzbekistan.
“The boys need to try staying concentrated and disciplined, always respectful to the opponent, but without any fear,” the head coach added.
“Moving the ball quickly, and switching sides is crucial against aggressive teams like Kyrgyz. So let’s hope our boys will stay focused. We have seen in our last match against UAE that the pace of the game is much quicker than what our boys are used to, so having more than two touches on the ball doesn’t help,” he maintained.
Asian Cup Qualifiers LIVE: India had beaten Oman in their first game and suffered a 0-1 loss against UAE. In contrast, Kyrgyz Republic beat UAE 2-1 in their first match and lost to Oman 0-1 in the second.
“Kyrgyz Republic defeated UAE deservedly and were unlucky to lose to Oman in the dying minutes after missing some great chances. They are an aggressive side, and are physically very strong, well prepared and quick in transition,” Stimac explained.
AFC U-23 Asian Cup Qualifiers LIVE: India face Kyrgyz Republic in do or die match- Follow LIVE updates
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