India defender Sandesh Jhinghan has said that the team does not fear any opposition ahead of their AFC Asian Cup opener against Australia at the Ahmed bin Ali Stadium in Qatar on January 13.
India has been placed alongside Australia, Syria and Uzbekistan in Group B. After facing Australia, India will take on Uzbekistan on January 18 before facing Syria in their final group match on January 23. Sunil Chhetri will lead India’s 24-member squad in the 2024 AFC Asian Cup.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, as quoted by PTI, Jhingan said the team does not fear any team while adding that they have the chance to do something special. India’s best finish in the tournament came way back in 1964, when they finished as runners-up.
“No group in the Asian Cup is easy. Of course, we’ve got Australia, and they need no introduction. But what we have learned in the last few years is that we must never fear any opposition. Believe in the work you do, believe in your group, and the sky’s the limit for this batch. We must stay humble, keep improving, and hopefully do something special,” said Jhingan.
He went on to say that the team has had a great 2023, which shows how fast they are improving. The Blue Tigers had a great 2023, winning three trophies (Tri-Nation Cup, Intercontinental Cup, and the SAFF Championship) at home.
“We have been getting some great support at home, and we’ve had a great year, which shows how fast we are improving. Now it’s all about putting in our best effort here and seeing where we can land up,” Jhingan added.
The Indian team will undergo a camp in Qatar to prepare for the AFC Asian Cup, prior to their opening match against the Socceroos. The top two team from each group, along with the four best third-placed teams, will enter the round of 16 stage of the tournament.
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