The Indian football team has sealed a place in the main rounds of the AFC Asian Cup. After seeing off Cambodia and Afghanistan in two tight encounters, the Blue Tigers were assured of a place in the 24-team event after Palestine defeated the Philippines 4-0 in their Group B encounter. The win-welcomed by Igor Stimac’s boys- also ensured Palestine’s’ qualification to the 2023 event. The country’s footballers offered mild relief to its people, long-suffering under the Israeli occupation.

With 24 teams split into six groups, the group winners and five best second-placed teams join the 13 already assured of a berth in the continent’s showpiece event. India has six points in their kitty, two more than the Philippines can muster. While the fallen giants of Asian football chart their course back to its upper echelons, tonight’s encounter with Hong Kong offers a good barometer of progress. Irrespective of what happens at the Salt Lake Stadium, Indian football fans can celebrate their fifth appearance in the continental showdown.

Also Read: Patel requests FIFA chief Infantino to not ban India

Also Read: China not to host 2023 AFC Asian Cup due to rise in COVID-19 cases

It might also be Sunil Chhetri’s final bow at a major international event. The 37-year-old has long carried the country’s football side on his shoulders, plundering 83 goals in 128 appearances. The captain was on hand to deliver a masterstroke against Afghanistan, handing India the lead with a sweetly struck free-kick a few yards from the opposition penalty box. The team would still require Sahal Abdul Samad’s late intervention after Afghanistan equalized from a corner immediately after Chhetri’s goal. Latching onto Ashique Kuruniyan’s deft through-ball, he would angle a strike beyond Faisal Hamadi’s outstretched left hand. It would send the motley crowd (compared to Salt Lake Stadium’s size) into delirium. Little did he know then that it would seal a berth in the competition proper!

The 2023 Asian Cup was slated to be held in China, but with a rise in Covid numbers, the Chinese Football Association pulled out from hosting the event. While the host country remains undecided, it matters little to Chhetri and Co.