AFC Asian Cup 2024: 'Indian Players Know What To Expect From Higher-Ranked Rivals,' Says Lallinzuala Chhangte

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As the kick-off of the AFC Asian Cup 2024 approaches, as many as 17 players out of the 26-man Indian squad will be featuring in the continental tournament for the first time. This includes some of the hot properties of Indian football, including winger Lallinzuala Chhangte, who isn't buoyed by his first appearance on the big stage.

The Mumbai City FC player is banking on the fact that like him many of his teammates have the experience of playing in the AFC Champions League recently. MCFC had some tough outfits such as Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia), Nassaji Mazandaran (Iran), and PFC Navbahor (Uzbekistan) during the tournament and couldn't post any wins away or home to make group stage exit.

"Having played in the AFC Champions League gave me a feel for how it could be against teams like Australia, Uzbekistan and Syria. We know what to expect and how we need to approach such games. I feel stronger mentally because of them," Lallinzuala Chhangte told aiff.com.

The 26-year-old forward, who has been a key component of Igor Stimac's set up and missed the, is grateful at the opportunity of playing at a tournament as big as the AFC Asian Cup and believes will be part of his memories that he would love to look back later in his career.

"You want to look back at the end of your career, and you want to say that you played at the highest level. These memories will stay with you forever. I am really fortunate to have had these experiences and to be a part of this Asian Cup squad. It's a really big thing for me," he said.

Lallinzuala Chhangte was instrumental in India's two title success earlier last summer when they defeated the likes of Lebanon and Kuwait to win the Intercontinental Cup and SAFF Championship at their home turf. The pacy winger, who missed the last Asian Cup selection under former coach Stephen Constantine, will carry the expectation of producing results and lower the burden of Sunil Chhetri in front of the goal.