India is preparing for its fifth participation in the upcoming AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023, set to kick off in less than a month. The national team arrived in Doha on December 30, and fans eagerly anticipate an impressive performance from the Blue Tigers in this premier football tournament in Asia.
Drawn into Group B, India is poised to face tough competition against Australia, Uzbekistan, and Syria in the AFC Asian Cup 2023. The journey commences with a match against the Socceroos on January 13, followed by a fixture against Uzbekistan on the 18th. The group stage concludes with a crucial match against Syria on the 23rd. The anticipation is high as India aim to leave its mark in this prestigious tournament. However, India’s campaign has been marred by injuries, leaving Stimac with selection challenges.
Key defender Anwar Ali is missing the entire tournament while winger Ashique Kuruniyan has been sidelined for too long now. Travelling to Doha already with a knock, Sahal Abdul Samad emerged as a new worry for Stimac
Igor Stimac has consistently relied on the 4-2-3-1 formation in recent times, a strategy that the players are well-acquainted with, given its alignment with their strengths.
However, the absence of Jeakson Singh opens up a spot in the lineup, providing a chance for players like Suresh Singh Wangjam, and Apuia Ralte, to take on the pivot role alongside Anirudh Thapa.
While Stimac has traditionally favoured the Bengaluru FC youngster, Apuia’s impressive form for Mumbai City FC cannot be overlooked. The 23-year-old midfielder has excelled in a deeper position for his club since Ahmed Jahouh’s departure.
Apuia is poised to seamlessly integrate into the midfield alongside Thapa, offering defensive stability and showcasing the ability to progress the ball upon receiving possession.
Choosing Apuia over Suresh Singh and Rohit Kumar is likely to enhance the team’s overall structure, providing the forwards (Naorem Mahesh Singh, Chhangte, and Sunil Chhetri) with increased opportunities to take on their opponents. While the absence of Sahal Abdul Samad will be difficult to make up for.
The absence of Anwar Ali has offended up a key pothole in India’s defence, While Igor Stimac may deploy a strong lineup of Akash Mishra, Sandesh Jhingan, Mehtab Singh and Nikhil Poojarybut the gap can still be exploited enough.
India’s 26-member squad for the AFC Asian Cup 2023
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.
India Predicted XI:
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Akash Mishra, Mehtab Singh, Sandesh Jhingan, Nikhil Poojary, Deepak Tangri, Anirudh Thapa, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Mahesh Naorem Singh, Sunil Chhetri.
India’s Group B fixtures at the AFC Asian Cup 2023
- January 13, 2024: Australia vs India (17:00 IST, Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan)
- January 18, 2024: India vs Uzbekistan (20:00 IST, Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan)
- January 23, 2024: Syria vs India (17:00 IST, Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor)
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