Chhetri says India will be difficult to beat in Asian Cup

Abu Dhabi: India will be a difficult team to beat in the Asian Cup football tournament starting Saturday, especially after their recent draws against more fancied China and Oman, said talismanic captain Sunil Chhetri.  

The Asian Cup, the continent's showpiece event, will be played in four cities of the United Arab Emirates from January 5 to February 1. India have been clubbed in Group A alongside Thailand, Bahrain and hosts UAE. 

They play their first match on Sunday against Thailand here, followed by games against UAE (Abu Dhabi) and Bahrain (Sharjah) on January 10 and 14 respectively. Ranked 15th in Asia, India played against three quality sides -- China, Oman and Jordan -- in their build-up to the Asian Cup. 

The Stephen Constantine-coached side drew goal-less against China and Oman and lost to Jordan 1-2. 

China (76th) and Oman (82nd) are ranked higher than India (97th) while Jordan are below a few rungs down at 109th. "I can assure you that it won't be an easy job for other teams to face us. 

We are a team who hate to lose, and we have proven it in recent times. We are working as per the plan," Chhetri was quoted as saying by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) website. 

"All of us are super excited and thrilled right now. Apart from me and Gurpreet (Singh Sandhu), it's a first-time experience for all else.