In the first week of 2019, Sunil Chhetri will lead the Indian contingent to participate in the AFC Asian Cup.
This will be the fourth time India will feature in the continent’s biggest football event. It’s first after playing in Qatar eight years back.
In the 2011 edition, India lost all three games against Australia (4-0), Bahrain (5-2) and South Korea (4-1) to crash out of the tournament without a single point.
India registered its best ever finish in the tournament in its maiden appearance where the side went on to finish as runners up.
Placed in group A along with hosts UAE, Thailand and Bahrain. India will open its campaign against Thailand on 6th January followed by game against hosts UAE on 10th and final one against Bahrain on 14th January.
India’s primary goal at the start will be to advance into the second round, which they have failed to do so in past 34 years.
Stephen Constantine has named a young Indian side for the tournament with experienced Sunil Chhetri leading them from the front.