India have been drawn alongside Cambodia, Hong Kong and Afghanistan in Group D of the Asian Cup 2023 qualifiers. The matches will take place at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, and India will have the privilege of playing all the games at home.
The 24 teams competing for a spot have been divided into six groups of four teams each. They will all play out the games in a round robin format, and 11 teams will end up qualifying for the finals next year.
India drawn in Group D of Asian Cup Qualifiers
“We are very happy … we need to prepare in the best possible fashion, and pray that the fans get an opportunity to be with us at the stadium, and cheer us to victory,” head coach Igor Stimac said in a release from the All Indian Football Federation.
Whether or not fans will be allowed to attend the games has not been revealed yet. But, Igor Stimac is hopeful that supporters will be allowed in the stands. The matches will take place in the summer from June 8 to 14.
Before appearing in the Asian Cup Qualifiers, India will be competing in two international friendlies next month. Fixtures against Bahrain and Belarus on March 23 and 26 have been set up to prepare for the upcoming tournament.
India will be expected to make the finals, especially considering the group that they have been drawn in. With fresh talent from the ISL, things look to be promising for the Blue Tigers in the upcoming qualifiers.
