Asian Games 2023 Football: India draws with Myanmar with one Goal Each
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The Indian men’s football team tied Myanmar 1-1 in their final Asian Games 2023 Group A encounter on Sunday at the Xiaoshan Sports Centre Stadium in Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China.
With four points from three games, India qualified for the round of 16 as the second-placed team in the group. Myanmar finished with the same number of points as India but finished third in terms of goals scored (India – 3, Myanmar – 2). China won the four-team group with a score of seven points.
Sunil Chhetri scored for India (23′), while Yan Kyaw Htwe scored for Myanmar (74′).
The Indian football squad, directed by Igor Stimac, had previously defeated Bangladesh 1-0 after losing 5-1 to China in the first game.
The 102nd-ranked Indian men’s football squad will face Group B runners-up Saudi Arabia in the pre-quarterfinals on Thursday.
Both India and Myanmar began the encounter on an equal basis, vying for possession in the centre of the pitch. Myanmar increased the tempo and began to put pressure on the Indian defence with long balls into the box as the game continued.
India, on the other hand, took the lead against the odds in the 24th minute. A Myanmar player tackled Rahim Ali in the box, and the referee signalled to the spot. Sunil Chhetri went up and blasted it past Myanmar goalkeeper Zin Nyi Nyi Aung to put India up 1-0.
Myanmar pushed more players forward in search of an equalizer after the score, but the Indian defense, captained by veteran centre-back Sandesh Jinghan, remained firm and thwarted any threat. India led 1-0 at the end of the first half.
The Indian men’s football team began the second half on a high note, with half-time substitutes Gurkirat Singh and Rahim Ali having two chances to double their side’s advantage. Both, however, were rejected by Myanmar’s custodian.
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Meanwhile, Myanmar maintained pressure on India’s defense and managed to equalize with a quarter remaining in the play. Myanmar equalized through substitute Yan Kyaw Htwe, who headed past Indian goalie Dheeraj Singh.
Group A
| Position | Team | Points | Matches | Wins | Draws | Losses | GF | GA | GD |
| 1 | China | 7 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 9 | 1 | 8 |
| 2 | India | 4 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 5 | -3 |
| 3 | Myanmar | 4 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 5 | -3 |
| 4 | Bangladesh | 1 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 2 | -2 |
Group B
| Position | Team | Points | Matches | Wins | Draws | Losses | GF | GA | GD |
| 1 | Iran | 7 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 7 |
| 2 | Saudi Arabia | 7 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 6 |
| 3 | Vietnam | 3 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 9 | -5 |
| 4 | Mongolia | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 10 | -8 |
FAQ
Q- When will India compete in the Asian Games 2023 round of 16?
A- On September 28, India will face Saudi Arabia in the round of 16 at the Asian Games at the Huanglong Sports Centre Stadium in Hangzhou, China. The game is set to begin at 5:00 p.m. (IST).
