India, led by Sunil Chhetri, qualified for The AFC Asian Cup 2023 even before meeting Hong Kong in a battle for first place in Group D on Tuesday. Both teams have six points after two wins, but Jon Anderson’s side has a goal difference advantage over the hosts, and the match will determine the direct qualifiers for next year’s 24-team continental finals.
🥳 HERE WE COME 🥳
As Palestine 🇵🇸 defeat Philippines 🇵🇭 in Group 🅱️, the #BlueTigers 🐯 🇮🇳 have now secured back-to-back qualifications for the @afcasiancup 🤩#ACQ2023 🏆 #BackTheBlue 💙 #IndianFootball ⚽ pic.twitter.com/3aNjymWLSm
— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) June 14, 2022
Only the winners of the six qualifying groups will be guaranteed a spot in the tournament, where the five runners-up will join them with the best overall records. The Blue Tigers entered the finals for the unprecedented second time in a row, and fifth overall, if they finished first in their group. With Palestine claiming a 4-0 win against the Philippines, India qualified for the tournament, without the results of the ultimate qualifying game.