India has qualified for the AFC Asian Cup 2023, following Palestine’s 4-0 win over the Philippines in a Group B match on Tuesday.
This is the first time that India has qualified for two successive editions of the Asian Cup.
Ahead of their final game against group toppers Hong Kong, Sunil Chhetri-led team is placed 2nd in Group D. Both teams are on six points but Hong Kong is above India based on goal difference.
The final qualifying round saw 24 teams vie for the 11 remaining spots. The sides were divided into six groups of four teams each with the eventual six group winners and five best runner-ups qualifying for next year’s Asian Cup.
ALSO READ: IPL could see increase in number of matches in 2023-27 cycle
The All India Football Association confirmed the country’s qualification on social media.
“HERE WE COME; As Palestine defeats the Philippines in Group B, the #BlueTigers have now secured back-to-back qualifications for the @afcasiancup,” AIFF said.
Drawn in Group D, India, beat Cambodia 2-0 in the opening match and earned a hard-fought 2-1 over Afghanistan in their second outing.
The new host country for AFC Asian Cup 2023 is yet to be finalized after China gave up its hosting rights due to the COVID-19 situation in the country. The quadrennial event is scheduled to be held from June 16 to July 16, next year.
(This story has been sourced from a third-party syndicated feed, agencies. Raavi Media accepts no responsibility or liability for the dependability, trustworthiness, reliability, and data of the text. Raavi Media management/ythisnews.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content at its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.)
