It’s a tough group but it’s not impossible to reach the knockout stage, claims Pritam Kotal

Team India face a tough prospect ahead of them next year in the middle east as they prepare themselves for their greatest challenge yet - 2019 AFC Asian Cup. Regarded as the most prestigious Asian football tournament, India have managed to qualify for Asian Cup for the just the fourth time since they first qualified in 1964. The last time India took part in the Asian Cup, they played a rather forgettable tournament as they suffered humiliating defeats at the hands of Australia, South Korea and Bahrain in the "Group of Death". However, things in the Indian training camp are different this time around according to Indian defender Pritam Kotal as he reckoned that the boys in blue have shot at making it to the knockout stage this time.

“It’s our first time. We are giving our best and are aiming to qualify from the first round. It’s a tough group but it’s not impossible to beat them. Thailand are a good team and we have to go match by match. First, we need to do well in this tournament [The Intercontinental Cup],” Kotal told Scroll.in

India are currently preparing for the upcoming Intercontinental Cup that will be played in Mumbai against New Zealand, Chinese Taipei and Kenya from June 1. The tournament was organized by the AIFF as part of the Senior Men Team's preparation for 2019 AFC Asian Cup.

“This is a very good opportunity for us to show how good we are. They [the opponents] are all good, tough teams. We have to really work hard do well in this tournament. I have to give my best. This tournament is crucial with the Asian Cup coming up. So this an opportunity to prove ourselves at the highest level,” Kotal said.

Despite ample competition for a place in the starting XI for Stephen Constantine’s team, Kotal has emerged as a standout player in the powerful defensive backline of the Indian team. Sunil Chhetri’s boys conceded the least goals in their group en route to securing qualification.

“This [competition for places] is good for a player.There is self improvement. If I am the only one, I wouldn’t know how much I have to push myself. If there someone else behind my back, I know that he will want to give his best and take my position. I have to deliver 100% everyday, in every practice session. The defence – Jerry , Lalruatthara, Sandesh , Anas bhai and I – are always sticking together. We discuss our mistakes and that’s how I learn,” Kotal added.