Having already secured qualification spot in 2019 Asian Cup, India will look to continue their unbeaten run of 13 matches, when they lock horns with Kyrgyz Republic in an worthless final group match of the qualifying campaign.
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Indian football team national coach Stephen Constantin has said that “regardless of our qualification, we will push for win.”
“We haven’t come here to lose. “Our objective was to qualify to the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 and we have achieved our aim. From now on, it’s part of our preparation for the Asian Cup to be held next year,” he added on the eve of the match. he said.
India is consolidating their position at top in group A with 13 points. The hosts India overcame stiff challenge from the Central Asian nation when they last met in Bengaluru on 13th June, courtesy of Sunil Chhetri’s (69′ minute) solitary goal.
India will miss the services of captain Sunil Chhetri who was dropped for the AFC Asian Cup qualifier match against Kyrgyz Republic, due to a one-match suspension after picking up two yellow cards. This will add extra pressure to senior counterparts like Jeje and Balwant Singh who are accompanied by youngsters like Hitesh Sharma, Alen Deory and Manvir Singh in forward line.
Constantine also dismissed speculations that the cold weather in Bishkek may play a crucial role.
“The weather is not playing any crucial part,” he clarified.
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu stated that there “isn’t any added pressure.”
“Kyrgyz Republic are a very strong side. They recently won against Myanmar and have also qualified for the Asian Cup. We respect them as an opponent. We want to win and as coach said, the match is a part of our preparation,” he mentioned.
Constantine declared that “India will play for a win.”
“I always play to win and never to lose. When you represent the National Team you are never playing for a draw. The result might be a draw but we won’t play for a draw,” he quipped.
Gurpreet highlighted the importance of a solid back four which lays the bedrock for the success of any team.
“Not only us, every team needs a solid back line. We have conceded few and have been able to put pressure on our opponents. The plan worked for us. We’ll look forward to continue doing that,” he felt.
Digitalsporty Poll Predictions
India win: 20%
Kyrgyz Republic win: 20%
Draw: 60%
