The Indian U23 National Football Team are set to clash against the Kyrgyz Republic in their last group game in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers at the Fujairah Stadium in UAE. The Blue colts were off to a dazzling start in their win against Oman but succumbed to a 1-0 loss against hosts UAE three days later.
A win will give India their best chance of making it to the finals but they may have to wait for the result of the other group game despite getting the three points. There are multiple scenarios that can help India qualify for the 2022 AFC U23 Asian Cup in Uzbekistan.
India U23 team’s preparations
“We need to balance the next 90 minutes. We need to be excited, but not over-excited. Such matches need a player to give 101 percent, and at the same time, such matches demand that a player needs to be patient”, averred Rahim Ali.
“It’s a very interesting situation in the group wherein the situation is extremely tight. Teams are quite different, but then again very similar in regards to what someone can do on the pitch. Everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses.”, quipped Head Coach Igor Stimac, reflecting on how all the teams in the group have the same points and goal difference.
Team News
India go into the game with a fully fit squad and with Lalengmawia Ralte set to play a leading role in midfield again after missing out on the first game.
Preferred Lineup
Predictions
It’s a do-or-die situation for team India in a game that could be one of the most memorable ones in their international career. India will yet again rely on Lalengmawia Ralte and Suresh Singh to win the ball back in midfield and launch counters through the likes of Vikram Pratap Singh and Rahul KP. Deepak Tangri will once again be expected to lead the backline as he has shown maturity beyond his years in the first two games.
There is no reason to not believe that India cannot pull this off as they have shown their adept quality on counter-attacks and will look to exploit the Kyrgyz Republic’s defensive spaces. The Blue colts will have to keep up their intensity and not change their defensive shape as it led to their downfall against UAE in a game that they deserved to get a point from.
Match Facts
Venue – Fujairah Stadium, Fujairah, UAE
Time – 22:00 IST
Telecast – Indian Football Team’s official Facebook page
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