The Asian Cup 2023 Qualifiers has reached its final stages and Team India, who is looking to book its into the competition for the consecutive time, will be hoping to beat Hong Kong and confirm their entry. However, their fate could very much be decided before even their match take place.
The Asian Cup 2023, which was was originally set to take place in China before they withdrew as host nation, is Asia's premier football tournament and each of AFC member nations aspire to play in the tournament, as paves way for the future of football in the country.
Team India, who are currently playing in the third round of the Qualifier after failing to qualify from round two, finds themselves equal on points with Hong Kong going into the last matchday.
For India, it was an easy task for them to surpass Cambodia, whom they beat 2-0 with a brace from Sunil Chhetri. In the next match against Afghanistan, the Blue Tigers had to work had, but a goal from Sunil Chhetri and then a winner from super-sub Sahal Abdul Samad, has put India equal on points to Hong Kong, currently the group leaders.
With both teams currently having 6 points to their name, the last match of the group will decide which team will qualify as India takes on Hong Kong on the 14th of June at the 8:30 PM IST.
The winner of the India vs Hong Kong match will automatically qualify for the Asian Cup 2023, however, there is opportunity for the 2nd team also to qualify. Out of all the 6 groups, 5 best 2nd placed teams will also qualify. One more thing, even before team India take on the field against Hong Kong, they may know their fate already. Let's have a look at how India can book their place into the Asian Cup 2023.
For India to qualify without any hesitation, they just simply need to beat Hong Kong, and that should be enough, same stands for Hong Kong.
However, if worst case scenario and India does lose against Hong Kong, they need to hope some results to their way. Currently, Team India is the 3rd best 2nd placed team, which should be enough, but, Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia all can pose a challenge to India if they lose to Hong Kong.
If India loses to Hong Kong, they need to hope that Malaysia, who are playing Bangladesh, Indonesia, who will be playing against Nepal and Philippines, who will be playing against Palestine, either loses or draw their matches. Particularly, not all but one of the above results need to go India's way for them to qualify as among the 5 best 2nd placed team.
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