They are just one match away from qualifying for the AFC U-17 Asian Cup! India The U-17 men’s national team will be looking to ‘get the job done’ in their last match of the AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2023 Qualifiers when they take on hosts Saudi Arabia.
Placed in Group D of the qualifiers, Saudi Arabia and India have both won three matches each so far, and will clash for the top spot in their last match at the Prince Mohammed bin Fahd Stadium on Sunday, October 9, 2022. Dammam at 11.30 PM IST; The match will be broadcast live on the Facebook page of the Indian football team.
“We have seen Saudi games, and we know their level, and what we need. The boys are really motivated before this last match, so now it is up to us to get the job done,” said head coach Bibiano Fernandes on the eve of the match.
Saudi Arabia and India have both scored nine points in each of their three matches, with the former leading the Group D table due to a better goal difference. With a total of 43 teams in 10 groups participating in the qualifiers, each group topper will qualify for the AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2023, while six of the second-placed best teams in 10 groups will also qualify for the final. , Since some groups have only three teams, only the points scored against the top three teams in each group will be taken into account when calculating the second-placed six best teams.
India’s win will ensure Bibiano’s boys top Group D, while any other result, and they will have to rely on proceedings from other groups for their qualifications.
“We are aware of the equation, but for us, there is only one objective, and that is to get the top spot. That’s the best way to guarantee qualification, and that’s what we set out to do,” Fernandes said. “We do not want to depend on others for external qualifications. It’s really simple – we follow the process, we fight, and we win – it’s the best scenario for us.”
Fernandes had guided the last two batches for the tournament (known as the AFC Under-16 Championship in 2018 and 2020), and will look to make it for the third time in a row. However, the big goal remains the same – to reach the semi-finals of the main competition and qualify for FIFA U-17. World cup.
“The boys know what is at stake and are really motivated to work. Qualifying for the Under-17 Asian Cup is just the first step, but the ultimate goal is to reach the World Cup on the basis of merit,” he said. . Back-to-back qualification in Asia means that three batches get that extra experience and experience before they move on to bigger things, and are better placed later in their careers. ,
The 45-year-old encouraged all fans in Saudi Arabia to come to the stadium and support the boys in the final qualification match.
“We did not come to Saudi with the expectation that we would get a lot of support from the stands, so when we saw many fans cheering on us, it was a really pleasant surprise. It really inspired the boys,” he said. “I would like to urge all Indian fans living close to Dammam to please come to the stands and show your support to the boys. It would mean the world to each and every one of us. ,
read all Latest sports news And today’s fresh news Here