India will face Laos in the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 Qualifiers play-off, the draw for which was held in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday.
India were in Pot B among the 10 teams to first play their away match in Laos on June 2. The Home leg is slated to be held on June 7, 2016. The venues for both the matches haven’t been finalized as yet.
A win against Laos will ensure India a place in the final Qualifiers for the AFC 2019 Asian Cup which is slated to be held in UAE.
12 Teams have already qualified for the 2019 Asian Cup and 24 Teams would be competing for the next 12 slots for the coveted Championship.
Loas is currently ranked 182nd in the FIFA rankings while India stands 162nd, but Indian coach Stephen Constantine believes that it’s going to be a difficult match. Both the teams have never faced each other.
It is a tricky draw. Laos are never to be underestimated. They have been in a very difficult group in the (Preliminary Round 2) and gave good account of themselves considering the Teams they faced. We will have to be at our best.Stephen Constantine, Head Coach, India
(With inputs from the AIFF Media Team)
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