Asian Games Football: India seek qualification against Myanmar

Both India and Myanmar are tied on three points in the Asian Games.

The Indian national men’s team will play their final group stage match of the Hangzhou Asian Games against Myanmar on Sunday. It is a must win clash for the Blue Tigers if they want to go through to the next round.

It hasn’t been an ideal setting for the Blue Tigers at the Asian Games so far with injuries and travel issues of players, but they have still managed to get three points in the last outing against Bangladesh. On that note, let us take a look at how things stand ahead of the big clash against Myanmar.

The Stakes

Myanmar

Myanmar had a tough outing against China after they were handed a 4-0 defeat by the host nation. They are tied on points with India, but are placed third on the table.

They have scored just once in the championship and will hope they break the deadlock against India. Anything less than a win will knock them out which makes this a must win game for them.

India 

The stakes are very high for the Blue Tigers. They come into the game after a hard fought victory against Bangladesh where Sunil Chhetri’s late penalty kick gave India the three points and placed them on the second position of the table.

With a win against Bangladesh, India have given themselves some breathing space and a ray of hope of making it to the knockouts. They are tied on points with Myanmar, so a win is all they need!

Injury & Team News

India have a much fitter squad available for selection while Myanmar are expected to field a full strength line-up.

Head-to-head

Both sides have come up against each other six times where India have won four games, Myanmar has won one while the other one ended in a draw.

Predicted Line-Up

Myanmar (4-4-2)

Pyae Phyo Thu (GK), Thet Hein Soe, Hein Zayar Linn, Kaung Htet Paing, Latt Wai Bhone, Wai Linn Aung, Zaw Win Thein, Khun Kyaw Zin Hein, Nay Moe Naing, Htet Phyo Wai, Oakkar Naing

India (4-2-3-1)

Dheeraj Singh (GK), Abdul Rabeeh, Chinglensana Singh, Sandesh Jhingan, Sumit Rathi, Amarjit Singh, Ayush Chhetri, Rahul KP, Sunil Chhetri, Vincy Barretto, Rahim Ali

Players to watch

Htet Phyo Wai (Myanmar)

Htet Phyo Wai is the best player in Myanmar's current squad. The 20-year-old has already netted five international goals in just 13 appearances for the side and is their top-scorer. 

Htet will hope that he is the one who breaks the deadlock and scores against India at the Asian Games. He will have a huge responsibility on his shoulders to help Myanmar go through to the knockouts.

Rahul KP (India)

Rahul has been one of the best players for the Blue Tigers at the Asian Games. He was full of energy and even scored India’s landmark goal against China. He was also one of the well performing players against Bangladesh as well.

Rahul’s pace and ability to glance shots from range make him an important asset for the Blue Tigers. He ran his socks off and even put in defensive challenges against Bangladesh with his 'never say die' attitude.

Did You Know?

• Both sides are tied on three points.
• Even if India secure a draw, they will qualify for the next round.
• Myanmar last defeated India more than 10 years ago in 2013.

Telecast

The Asian Games clash between Myanmar and India will take place on Sunday, September 24 at the Xiaoshan Sports Center Stadium, Hangzhou with a 5:00 PM IST kick-off. The match will be shown on the Sony Sports Network and streamed live on SonyLIV.