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India participated in the AFC Asian Cup 2024, which is being held in Doha from January 12 to February 12.
This marks India’s second consecutive appearance in the continental competition after they participated in the 2019 edition.
The squad, under the guidance of coach Igor Stimac, finds itself in Group B, alongside formidable opponents Australia, Uzbekistan, and Syria for the group-stage matches. The coach has carefully selected key players, including stalwarts like Sunil Chhetri, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, and Sandesh Jhingan, to form a formidable team for the competition.
India’s journey in Group B commences with a match against Australia on January 13 at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan. This is followed by a crucial clash with Uzbekistan on January 18 at the same venue. The group stage concludes for India at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, where they will face Syria on January 23.
What is India’s best finish in the AFC Asian Cup?
India made its debut in the AFC Asian Cup in 1964, marking a historic moment in the country’s football history. The tournament that year featured only four teams due to several nations withdrawing for political reasons. Notably, hosts Israel, where the competition took place, would later be expelled from the AFC and relocate to Europe’s UEFA.
Under the coaching of Englishman Harry Wright, who had taken charge after the untimely death of the longest-serving coach, Syed Abdul Rahim, India showcased an impressive performance. The team faced only one defeat in the tournament, losing to the hosts Israel to achieve its best-ever finish in the AFC Asian Cup, securing the runners-up position.
India’s Inder Singh was the joint-top scorer with two goals.
In the next three editions in 1984, 2011, 2019 and 2023 they were ousted from the group stages.
What is India’s record in the AFC Asian Cup?
India have participated in a total of 16 matches across five editions of the AFC Asian Cup. Their record includes three victories, 12 defeats, and one draw.
In 1964, India scored five goals, marking their highest goal tally in a single edition. However, during their next participation after a hiatus of 20 years, in 1984, the team failed to score any goals.
The 2011 edition saw the highest number of goals conceded, with India allowing 13 goals. Unfortunately, they managed to score only three in response.
Overall, India have scored 12 goals and have shipped in 33 times across the four editions.
Matches | W | D | L | GS | GA | GD |
16 | 3 | 1 | 12 | 12 | 33 | -21 |
Who is India’s top goal scorer in AFC Asian Cup history?
Current Indian skipper, Sunil Chhetri, is the leading goalscorer of the nation with four strikes to his name.
AFC Asian Cup 2023 Indian men’s football team – full squad
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 fixtures at the 2023 Asian Cup
Date | Fixture | Time (IST) |
January 13 | Australia 2-0 India | 5:00 pm |
January 18 | India 0-3 Uzbekistan | 8:00 pm |
January 23 | Syria 1-0 India | 5:00 pm |
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