India to Face Australia in AFC Asian Cup 2024 Opener

Sunil Chhetri-led Blue Tigers will open their campaign against Australia in the AFC Asian Cup 2024 at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium in Doha. It will be India’s fifth appearance at the most prestigious competition in Asian Football, having previously been part of the 2019, 2011, 1984 and 1964 editions.

The Igor Stimac-managed side though are the best of the lost that have participated in the tournament since 1964 when India were the runners-up behind Israel in a four-team tournament hosted by Israel.

India and Australia have played against each other 9 times. The Blue Tigers have won three games, while the Socceroos have emerged victorious 5 times, with one match ending in a draw.

In the AFC Asian Cup, the two teams have come up against each other in only one match which was in the 2011 edition of the competition. In that game, which was also played in Doha, Qatar, Australia beat India 4-0, thanks to a brace by Tim Cahill.

The Aussies are ranked fourth in Asia and 25th in the world according to Fifa rankings. India on the other hand are placed 18th in Asia and 102nd in the world. Australia are the clear favourites and even if India are able to manage a respectable scoreline, it would be an achievement for the Blue Tigers.

Qatar are the defending champions of the AFC Asian Cup as they beat Japan in the final of the 2019 edition.

India’s probable starting lineup: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Akash Mishra, Sandesh Jhingan, Rahul Bheke, Nikhil Poojary, Anirudh Thapa, Suresh Singh, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Sahal Abdul Samad or Rahul KP, Naorem Mahesh Singh, Sunil Chhetri.

Australia’s probable starting lineup: Matt Ryan, Nathaniel Atkinson, Harry Souttar, Cameron Burgess, Jordan Bos, Riley McGree, Aiden O'Neill, Jackson Irvine, Craig Goodwin, Mitchell Duke, Martin Boyle.

The India vs Australia match in the AFC Asian Cup will take place on January 13, 2024 (Sunday) at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Ar-Rayyan, Qatar. The live broadcast will be available on Sports 18 HD/SD channel and the live streaming will be on the Jiocinema app.