India captain Chhetri insists his team will battle hard for a win against tough Kyrgyzstan when two teams clash in AFC Asian Cup qualifiers today
Indian players train yesterday ahead of their Asian Cup qualifier against Kyrgyzstan at Bangalore today
High on confidence following a six-game winning streak, India will face their toughest test this year when they take on Kyrgyzstan in an AFC Asian Cup qualifying round football match here today.
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India have come into the game after winning six official international matches on the trot, including a 2-0 victory over Nepal last week, and they would fancy their chances against the central Asians in the home leg tie at Sree Kanteerava Stadium.
The Stephen Constantine-coached Indian side are ranked at exactly 100 while Kyrgyzstan are 132nd in the latest FIFA rankings. Both the sides are tied at three points each from their opening fixture wins in Group A. Whoever wins will brighten their chances of qualifying for the main tournament in UAE in 2019. Two teams from each of the six groups will qualify for the 2019 tournament.
Sunil Chhetri
India had beaten Myanmar in the first match of their campaign.
Constantine may also be worried about playmaker Eugenson Lyngdoh as he has not had the best of run for BFC this season.
Star striker Sunil Chhetri is certain to return after being rested against Nepal in Mumbai. Jeje Lalpekhlua, who scored against Nepal, would look to continue his good form. The inexperienced Indian defence is beginning to look good and Sandesh Jhingan and Anas Edathodika will hope to keep the Kyrgyzstan strikers at bay.
Asked about India's higher ranking than their opponents, India captain Sunil Chhetri said, "We have a huge task. We know they are a strong side but we are here to give everything we have to win the tie. We are churning out results, we are proud to take the results. But, we can't afford to be complacent at this moment. One moment of he slip-up and everything will be ruined."
Live on TV
India vs Kyrgyzstan: Star Sports 1, HD 1 & Tamil 1, 20:00