Asian Cup Qualifier: India out to accomplish Mission Macau

Macau, September 4 

The Indian football team will look to continue its unbeaten run and inch closer to the 2019 Asian Cup when it takes on Macau in a crucial third round qualifying game here tomorrow.

India have won all the four qualifying matches so far, the wins coming against Laos in the playoff round, and Myanmar and Kyrgyzstan in the group stage of the third round. Skipper Sunil Chhetri had scored in India's last two victories. 

While Stephen Constantine's men will look to continue their winning run in the third round qualifying phase, the 183rd-ranked Macau, on the other hand, will hope to revive their fortunes at the Macau Olympic Complex.

The 96th-ranked India are having a fruitful year in terms of FIFA rankings and number of wins, and September is their fifth straight month inside the FIFA top-100. It's been more than 17 months since India last lost an away game. 

Their last defeat away from home was against Iran in a 2018 World Cup qualifier. Since then, the Blue Tigers have beaten Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar on the road.

There's intense competition among players for a berth in the playing XI, leading to a strong bench strength.

“It's not about who plays on the field. We all are playing for a cause. It's Mission Macau,” Constantine said, gesturing with his clenched fists. — PTI