India drawn to play Laos in Asian Cup qualifiers

A win against Laos will ensure India a place in the final Qualifiers for the AFC 2019 Asian Cup which is to be held in UAE. Twelve teams have already qualified for the Asian Cup and 24 teams would be competing for the next 12 slots for the coveted championship.

India coach Stephen Constantine expects a tough game against Laos.

Indian football team will face Laos in the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 Qualifiers play-off, the draw for which was held in Kuala Lumpur today.

India, which was in Pot B among the 10 teams, first plays its away match in Laos on June 2 while the home leg is slated to be held on June 7, 2016. The venues for both the matches haven’t been finalised as yet.

A win against Laos will ensure India a place in the final Qualifiers for the AFC 2019 Asian Cup which is to be held in UAE. Twelve teams have already qualified for the Asian Cup and 24 teams would be competing for the next 12 slots for the coveted championship.

“It is a tricky draw. Laos are never to be underestimated,” said coach Stephen Constantine, “They have been in a very difficult group in the (Preliminary Round 2) and gave good account of themselves considering the teams they faced. We will have to be at our best.”