India have secured qualification in the 2023 Asian Cup, after Palestine defeated Philippines 4-0. This is the fifth time that India will be playing in the top continental tournament, and the second consecutive time that they have qualified for the competition.
The Blue Tigers are set to face Hong Kong at the Salt Lake Stadium today. And any result would have led to them qualifying. But, with results elsewhere, they head into the game having already qualified for the Asian Cup.
India qualify for the 2023 Asian Cup
While India have already made it to the Asian Cup next year, they will be playing for pride against Hong Kong in front of their home fans. They are not expected to go lightly in front of the current leaders of the table, and will be hopeful of finishing their qualification campaign with a win on top of them securing their place.
Here is what the head coach, Igor Stimac had to say ahead of their match against Hong Kong: “We were Blue Tigers in the match against Afghanistan, and that’s what they need to be on the pitch. That’s our intent, keeping the pride intact.”
The last time India qualified for the Asian Cup in 2019, they were able to get their first win in 55 years against Thailand. But, were eventually dumped out in heartbreaking fashion. As a result, they will be hopeful of a better run this time around.
