AFC Asian Cup 2024: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu takes responsibilities after howler against Australia

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India goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu has taken responsibility for conceding the first goal against Australia in the AFC Asian Cup 2024 on Saturday.

India took on the Socceroos in their first group stage match and put up a valiant effort. The Blue Tigers kept it scoreless at the break and were excellent in the first 45 minutes.

But in the early stages of the second half, a howler from Gurpreet Singh Sandhu led to the first Australia goal.

The lanky custodian parried a cross and the spilt ball went straight to Jackson Irvine, who finished it first time past the Indian keeper to give Australia the lead. All of India's hard work was undone by the mistake and the Blue Tigers succumbed to a 2-0 defeat in the match.

People were quick to point out Gurpreet's mistake as the turning point of the match. And the Indian player has penned his thoughts on the match on social media on Sunday, where he acknowledged his mistake, and thanked his teammates and supporters.

"I know we lost the game and I'll put my hand up taking responsibility for what could've been avoided and be dealt better. The team did really well against a WC side , we take the positives and learn from the experience. Big shoutout to the amazing fans who came in numbers," Sandhu wrote on X.

Despite a defeat, Igor Stimac will be ecstatic with his boys' performance. The Indian team showcased their resilience and thwarted the Aussies for the majority of the match. The players put up a valiant effort against a strong team, who are ranked 25 in FIFA rankings.

India's next match will be against Uzbekistan on Thursday (Januar 18) at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan.