AIFF Names 50-Player Probable List For AFC Asian Cup

India's preliminary squad comprises 5 goalkeepers, 15 defenders, 15 midfielders, and 15 forwards, subject to reduction before the championship.

All eyes will be on Sunil Chhetri as India gears up for AFC Asian Cup.

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Ahead of the upcoming AFC Asian Cup slated from January 12 to February 10, 2024, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has disclosed a 50-member probable squad. Igor Stimac, the head coach, curated this roster of players who will embark on an early camp in Doha, Qatar, preparing for the tournament.

India's preliminary squad comprises 5 goalkeepers, 15 defenders, 15 midfielders, and 15 forwards, subject to reduction before the championship. Drawn in Group B alongside Australia, Uzbekistan, and Syria, India aims to secure a spot in the Round of 16, with the top two teams and four best third-placed teams progressing.

Sunil Chhetri, India's leading figure, anticipates his third AFC Asian Cup appearance, spearheading the team. Stimac also leans on the defensive experience of Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and Sandesh Jhingan.

The probable Indian squad for the AFC Asian Cup:

Goalkeepers: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Amrinder Singh, Vishal Kaith, Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem, Gurmeet Singh Chahal.

Defenders: Naorem Roshan Singh, Bikash Yumnam, Lalchungnunga, Sandesh Jhingan, Nikhil Poojary, Chinglensana Singh, Pritam Kotal, Hormipam Ruivah, Subhasish Bose, Asish Rai, Akash Mishra, Mehtab Singh, Rahul Bheke, Narender Gahlot, Amey Ranawade.

Midfielders: Suresh Singh Wangjam, Rohit Kumar, Brandon Fernandes, Udanta Singh Kumam, Yasir Mohammad, Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, Anirudh Thapa, Sahal Abdul Samad, Glan Martins, Liston Colaco, Deepak Tangri, Lalengmawia Ralte, Vinit Rai, Ninthoinganba Meetei, Naorem Mahesh Singh.

Forwards: Sunil Chhetri, Rahim Ali, Farukh Choudhary, Nandhakumar Sekar, Siva Sakthi Narayanan, Rahul KP, Ishan Pandita, Manvir Singh, Kiyan Nassiri, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Gurkirat Singh, Vikram Partap Singh, Bipin Singh Thounaojam, Parthib Gogoi, Jerry Mawihmingthanga.

The Blue Tigers are set to commence their campaign against Australia on January 13, followed by matches against Uzbekistan on January 18 and Syria on January 23. Preparation begins on December 30 in Doha, Qatar, with a rigorous two-week training camp helmed by Igor Stimac and his coaching unit.

Chhetri emphasised the significance of extended training camps earlier in the year, particularly in the context of the Asian Cup. He stressed the need for the team to acclimate to higher competition levels faced against teams like Australia. “For a team like ours, especially for the Asian Cup, where we know we will face the likes of Australia, Uzbekistan, and Syria, longer camps would always be helpful. When the boys play at the Hero ISL, they are playing at a certain level. But let’s be honest, when we meet Australia, we would meet competition that is a couple of levels higher, if not more,” said the Blue Tigers captain.