India U23 eye win against Brunei with qualification to AFC U23 Asian Cup at stake

India are second in Group H with three points.

After missing out on three points in the last match against Qatar, India are desperate to hammer Brunei in their last match of the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers. The Blue Colts aim to win this contest by a huge margin to keep themselves in contention for a place in the AFC U23 Asian Cup.

The loss against Qatar has made the road difficult for India. Naushad Moosa’s boys are currently in second position in Group H with three points in two games. The objective for the Blue Colts in the last qualifying fixture won’t be just a win but a thumping victory by a huge margin.

Also Read: How can India qualify for the AFC U23 Asian Cup? Check all possible scenarios

The Stakes

India U23

The Indian U23 team has played exceptionally well in the tournament so far. Right from their first match against Brunei, the Blue Colts have looked in great touch. The talented bunch of players have shown that they are capable of making their presence felt on the biggest continental stage.

The victory against Bahrain was incredible, but the bigger challenge was Qatar, and the Indian team almost aced that test, had it not been for controversial refereeing decisions. However, that loss has not dampened the moods in the Indian camp. Naushad Moosa has made it clear that his boys will approach this match with vigour without thinking too much about the permutations and combinations in other groups.

Brunei

The AFC U23 Asian Cup qualifiers have been a forgettable campaign for Brunei so far. The Southeast Asian side got brutally treated in the first two games against Qatar and Bahrain. Both matches ended in double-digit losses for Brunei.

Against Qatar, they conceded 13 goals, while in the following match, Bahrain scored 10 goals against Brunei. These two horrible defensive performances have knocked Brunei out of the competition. All they will play for against India is pride. However, it will be a great learning experience for them, and they would like to build upon the positives from this tournament.

Team News

Naushad Moosa will miss Pramveer in the starting lineup. The young Indian centre-back was shown a questionable red card for a soft challenge in the box.

Brunei will be facing India with their full squad available for the game.

Probable Lineups

India

Sahil Poonia (GK); Ricky Meitei, Bikash Yumnam (C), Muhammed Saheef, Harsh Palande, Lalrinliana Hnamte, Lalremtluanga Fanai, Macarton Nickson, Md Suhail, Parthib Gogoi, Sanan

Brunei

GK Muhd Khairul Hisyam, Abdul Qayyum Irwan, Muhd Daniysh Syariee, Mohamad Azrin Danial, Muhd Wafiq Danis, AK Muhd Ali Munawwar, Muhd Bazli Aminuddin, Mohd Hadif Mansur, Muhammad Danish Aiman, Muhammad Haziq Naqiuddin, AK Shad Maymoun

Player to watch

Muhammed Suhail (India)

Muhammad Suhail will again be the player to watch out for, and how can he not be? After making heads turn with his performance against Bahrain, Suhail continued to show his magic against the heavyweights Qatar. The Kerala lad scored a leaping header to bring India back into the game after the Blue Colts conceded early against the hosts.

Suhail struggled early in the match against the Qatar left-back, but the youngster kept pushing and, in the end, got his reward. After scoring consecutive goals against sturdy West Asian sides, the Punjab FC winger would be keen to exploit the vulnerable Brunei defense. It is important for him to go all guns blazing for India to win by a huge margin.

Where and how to watch India U23 vs Brunei U23 live?

The Indian fans would not want to miss the Blue Colts in action against Brunei. The fans can tune into the action live on Alkass 4 and the Shoof mobile App.

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