India placed in Group F for AFC U-19 Championship Qualifiers
The Indian under 19 football team has been placed in Group F alongside hosts Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, and Afghanistan for the AFC U-19 Championship Qualifiers 2020. The Indian under 19 coach Floyd Pinto has stated that it is a tough draw for them and they are aware of the strengths of other teams.
With the AFC U-19 Championship Qualifiers scheduled to be held in Saudi Arabia from November 2 to 10 this year, the Indian colts have been grouped alongside Saudia Arabia, Uzbekistan and Afghanistan. This might be a tough group for the junior footballers but their coach Floyd Pinto is of the belief that the young kids can fight against some of the tough opponents in the tournament.
“It is a tough draw for us and we are aware of the strengths our opponents possess. But at the same time the boys have shown that they can fight against some of the best teams (in the Hero I-League) and we are hopeful of our qualification chances,” Pinto told the AIFF media team.
“We would have to be on the top of our game if we are to qualify from this group.”
The Indian under 19 team also played the 2017 qualifiers in Saudia Arabia where they had won 3-0 against Turkmenistan and drew against Yemen. However, a 5-0 defeat against the hosts restricted them from making it to the Championship.
GROUP F: Saudi Arabia (H), Uzbekistan, India, Afghanistan