Sunil Chhetri will play a key role (Courtesy: AIFF)
The Indian football team will begin their campaign at the AFC Asian Cup 2023 against heavyweights Australia at the Ahmed bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan on Saturday. The match will test India”s attacking qualities as they will be up against formidable Australian defenders.
The Socceroos will be prepared for action after a fine showing in the World Cup 2022, where they lost to eventual champions Argentina in the Round of 16. Center-back Harry Souttar will be the key figure for Australia in the playing XI. Mathew Ryan is unlikely to feature in the playing XI as he is sidelined with a cheekbone injury.
India vs Australia, AFC Asian Cup 2023: Head-to-Head
Apart from the international friendlies, India and Australia have faced off only once in an international fixture in the Asian Cup Group C fixture in June, 2011. The Blue Tigers lost the match 0-4 to Australia. As a result, Australia have a 1:0 advantage in the head-to-head.
India vs Australia, AFC Asian Cup 2023: LIVE Streaming, When and Where to Watch
The AFC Asian Cup 2023 matches will be telecast live on Sports18 Network’s TV channels in India. Live streaming of the AFC Asian Cup 2023 will be available on the JioCinema app and website.
India vs Australia, AFC Asian Cup 2023: Squads
India
Goalkeepers: Amrinder Singh, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Vishal Kaith.
Defenders: Akash Mishra, Lalchungnunga, Mehtab Singh, Nikhil Poojary, Pritam Kotal, Rahul Bheke, Sandesh Jhingan, Subhasish Bose.
Midfielders: Anirudh Thapa, Brandon Fernandes, Deepak Tangri, Lalengmawia Ralte, Liston Colaco, Naorem Mahesh Singh, Sahal Abdul Samad, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Udanta Singh.
Forwards: Ishan Pandita, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Manvir Singh, Rahul Kannoly Praveen, Sunil Chhetri, Vikram Partap Singh.
Australia
Goalkeepers: Joe Gauci, Mat Ryan, Lawrence Thomas
Defenders: Harry Souttar, Kye Rowles, Cameron Burgess, Nathaniel Atkinson, Thomas Deng, Jordy Bos, Aziz Behich, Lewis Miller, Gethin Jones
Midfielders: Keanu Baccus, Aiden O’Neill, Jackson Irvine, Connor Metcalfe, Riley McGree, Patrick Yazbek
Forwards: Craig Goodwin, Martin Boyle, Marco Tilio, John Iredale, Kusini Yengi, Bruno Fornaroli, Mitchell Duke
