AFC U-23 Asian Cup Qualifiers: Three key battles that can decide UAE vs India tie

UAE drew against China in their last game

The Blue Cubs are all set to take on a sturdy and tactical UAE side, as the two nations face off in their third match day of the 2024 AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers. 

India desperately need a win against UAE, to keep their Asian Cup dreams alive, as the currently sit bottom of the group after a heartbreaking loss against China.

On the other hand, UAE will look to consolidate their position in the table, with a win against India.

With all possible narratives that can unfold on the field, we have compiled a list of the three most interesting battles, which can draw out the fate of these sides. 

Sumit Rathi VS Sultan Adil Alameeri

Sumit had a great game against China last time around, and was pretty solid in guarding his goal. But on Tuesday, the centre back will have to take on UAE’s Sultan Adil, who is known for his clinical finishing and dominative physicality. 

The centre forward was on full display against China, and was unfortunate to have not been on the scoresheet. However, with his eyes set on a victory against India, Sultan will be in full force, and Sumit will have a task on his hands to hold back the lethal striker.

Vibin Mohanan VS Ahmed Mahmoud Alhammadi

In the game of football, the midfield battle is rather the most decisive and crucial of them all, and that is why Tuesday's midfield face off between Vibin and Ahmed is going to be a mouthwatering contest to watch. 

The 20 year old prodigy of Kerala Blasters, has been pretty impressive for sometime now, and will face a tough challenge when he comes up against UAE’s skipper.

Known for his technical gameplay, Ahmed is a tough nut to crack, and Vibin will have to be at the top of his game, if he wants to stamp his authority in the middle of the park.

Sivasakthi Narayan VS Zayed Sultan Alzaabi

Sivasakhti needs no introduction among the Indian football fraternity. The striker has solidified himself as a mainstay at Bengaluru FC, and is a beast in front of the goal. Despite not having the best outing against China, Siva will be determined to get himself on the score sheet against UAE.

But to make his job difficult, UAE’s defensive powerhouse Zayed Sultan will be present in the defense. The defender will have the task of keeping SivaShakti at bay, and it will be very interesting to watch the battle between the two unfold.