India drawn to play Laos in play-off for Asia Cup 2019

New Delhi, April 7  

Indian football team 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, who were in Pot B among the 10 teams, first play their away match in Laos on June 2 while the home leg is slated to be held on June 7, 2016. The venues for both the matches haven’t been finalised yet.

A win against Laos will ensure India a place in the final Qualifiers for the AFC 2019 Asian Cup which is to be held in UAE. 12 teams have already qualified for the Asian Cup and 24 teams would be competing for the next 12 slots for the coveted championship.

National coach Stephen Constantine mentioned it will be a “difficult match”.

“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,” he said.

“We will have to be at our best.” PTI