All posts tagged: AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers

India Vs Bangladesh LIVE: Score and updates

India Vs Bangladesh LIVE: Score and updates

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Khalid Jamil’s new-look India will take on neighbours Bangladesh in Dhaka on Tuesday night in what is a rather inconsequential Group C fixture. With both sides already knocked out, the outcome, despite being academic in nature, holds consequence for several reasons. For one, India will look to win and avoid finishing at the bottom of the table. Additionally, the game will mark the first time in 22-years that India has played Bangladesh in Bangladesh. The last time the two sides met was in March this year when a rather forgettable draw ensued in Guwahati. All eyes will be on the Indian bench, for Ryan Williams, who only recently traded his Australian passport for an Indian one, is being fast-tracked for a possible debut on the night. Going into the game, the two sides have played each other 29 times with both India and Bangladesh winning 14 each and 11 ending in a draw. Catch all the live action as it happens right here. Disclaimer: We do not own any of the content, ideas, images, or …

Ryan Williams joins the National team camp ahead of the Asian Cup Qualifiers

Ryan Williams joins the National team camp ahead of the Asian Cup Qualifiers

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Forward Ryan Williams, who has relinquished his Australian passport to obtain Indian citizenship, has officially joined the senior national football team camp in Bengaluru ahead of India’s AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifying match against Bangladesh. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) confirmed the development on Sunday, calling it a landmark moment for Indian football. Born in Perth, the 32-year-old Williams entered the camp alongside defender Jay Gupta. “Forward Ryan Williams and defender Jay Gupta have joined the senior men’s national team camp in Bengaluru,” the AIFF announced on X. Williams’ mother was born in Mumbai, while his father hails from Kent, England. The forward previously represented Australia at the U-20 and U-23 levels and made a senior appearance in a friendly against South Korea in 2019. Having played for English clubs Fulham and Portsmouth, Williams joined Indian Super League side Bengaluru FC in 2023. “Honoured to make official what’s long felt true. Grateful for the love, the opportunity, and the sense of belonging this country has given me. As you can see, the last round …

Indian Football Coach Manolo Marquez

Indian Football Coach Manolo Marquez

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As the Indian senior men’s team touched down in Shillong ahead of their AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers opener against Bangladesh (March 25), one name stood out—Sunil Chhetri. The 40-year-old striker, returning to the national fold, remains the face of Indian football, his presence dominating posters and banners across the city. For head coach Manolo Márquez, the decision to recall Chhetri was a simple one: “We need players who score goals.” India’s recent struggles in front of goal have been evident under Márquez, with the Blue Tigers managing just two goals in his first four matches—one of them from a set-piece. With the crucial Asian Cup qualifiers ahead, the Spaniard knew he needed reliable finishers, and Chhetri, the ISL’s top Indian scorer this season with 12 goals, fit the bill. “In my four matches so far, we have only scored two goals. At this moment, the most important thing is to get results. Nothing else matters,” Márquez stated. Despite turning 40 last August, Chhetri’s numbers this season speak volumes. His 12-goal haul is more than …

India drawn in Group C

India drawn in Group C

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India have been drawn with Hong Kong, Singapore and Bangladesh in Group C of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers, starting in March 2025. India, who have been winless in 2024 after playing 11 matches, will face Bangladesh in the opening game of the qualifiers at home on March 25. The venue will be decided later. India are the highest-ranked side in the group at 127, while Hong Kong are placed at the 156th spot, Singapore are at 161 and Bangladesh are at 185. The Indian team, coached by Manolo Marquez, will begin their preparations for the qualifiers on March 14 after the conclusion of the Indian Super League (ISL) league stage. India last played Bangladesh in 2021 at the SAFF Championship in Nepal, where the two sides played out a 1-1 draw. India played Hong Kong in the 2023 Asian Cup qualifiers, where the Blue Tigers beat them 4-0 in Kolkata. India last faced Singapore in an international friendly in 2022 where the two sides settled for a 1-1 draw. There are a total …

Injuries sideline Anirudh Thapa and Vikram Partap Ahead of India’s friendly against Malaysia

Injuries sideline Anirudh Thapa and Vikram Partap Ahead of India’s friendly against Malaysia

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In the lead-up to their friendly match against Malaysia, India’s senior men’s football team faces a reshuffled lineup due to player injuries. Midfielder Anirudh Thapa and forward Vikram Partap Singh will miss the national team camp that begins in Hyderabad. To cover for Thapa’s absence, Thoiba Singh has been called up. Head Coach Manolo Márquez views the upcoming match as a valuable opportunity, both for India and Malaysia, to test their readiness for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. India’s team will officially assemble in Hyderabad on November 11, aligning with the FIFA International Window. The anticipated friendly is scheduled for November 18 at the GMC Balayogi Gachibowli Stadium. India last played in Hyderabad in September, competing in the Intercontinental Cup. They secured a 0-0 draw against Mauritius but suffered a 0-3 loss to Syria, which was also Márquez’s debut series with the national team. In October, India drew 1-1 with Vietnam in a friendly away match, a game where the team showed marked improvement, according to the coach. “We will play in Hyderabad again …

Preview: India vs Afghanistan – FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers

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Following a mixed performance at the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023, India seeks to capitalize on their previous victories and overcome past shortcomings as they are set to face Afghanistan on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the Damac Stadium in Abha, Saudi Arabia, at 00:30 IST (March 21 at 22:00 local time). Afghanistan, having suffered defeats in their previous matches, will be determined to bounce back against India under the guidance of coach Ashley Westwood. With three points at stake, India eyes advancement in the qualifiers, aiming to break new ground by securing a spot in the elusive third round, a feat yet to be achieved since their debut in 1985. With a win against Kuwait and a loss to Qatar in the opening two matchdays last November, India seeks to build momentum and consolidate their position in the qualifiers. Head to head: India and Afghanistan are poised to renew their rivalry on the international stage, with past encounters showcasing tightly contested matches. In the previous four meetings between the two sides: 2019 World Cup …