Xtra Time Web Desk: Igor Stimac, the head coach of the Indian senior men’s football team on Saturday announced the 26-member squad for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023. The Blue Tigers are set to arrive in Doha, marking their fifth appearance in the prestigious tournament. Their Group B campaign kicks off with a match against Australia on January 13, 2024, at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan, followed by a clash with Uzbekistan on January 18 at the same venue. Subsequently, Stimac’s team will face Syria at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor on January 23.
Beyond the competitive arena, the Indian contingent can count on the unwavering support of their passionate fans. This is not the first time the Blue Tigers have competed in Qatar, as evidenced by their participation in four 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers matches there, including encounters with the hosts. Additionally, the experience of veterans Sunil Chhetri and Gurpreet Singh Sandhu in the 2011 AFC Asian Cup, held in Qatar, adds to the team’s depth. Chhetri notably scored goals against Bahrain and South Korea during that tournament. The anticipation is high, both on and off the pitch, as India gears up for the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023.
India’s 26-member squad for the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 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’s Group B fixtures at the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 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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