India face Myanmar in Asian Cup opener
The Indian football team would look to open its AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers campaign on a positive note when it takes on Myanmar in a potentially tricky match on Tuesday.
India have been boosted by a 3-2 victory over Cambodia in their first international friendly of the year last week but it will not be easy to get three points against Myanmar.
Though Myanmar are 40 spots below India (132nd) in the latest FIFA rankings, they have a better head-to-head record and Stephen Constantine’s men will have to play out of their skins if they are to come out triumphant.
The last time the two sides met was also in Yangon, in 2013, and India had lost by a solitary goal in the AFC Challenge Cup Qualifiers. Well aware of India’s unfavourable past record, Constantine had conceded that Myanmar are the favourites in the match.
“The players have worked very hard to prepare for the game against Myanmar and it will be a challenge for us. We have the utmost respect for Myanmar as they are a very tough team. I expect a very tough and tight game,” he said.
“India can beat anybody on their day. But that does not mean that you cannot have a bad day,” Constantine added.
India have been clubbed in Group A alongside Kyrgyzstan, Myanmar and Macau. “We believe we have a chance to qualify for the finals and so does Myanmar. Hence it is vital not to lose our first game,” said Constantine.