India vs Syria, AFC Asian Cup 2023: 'Sahal Abdul Samad Likely To Play,' Says Igor Stimac

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India vs Syria are in need for all three points at the AFC Asian Cup 2023 in their last Group B match at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor on Tuesday (January 23). And coach Igor Stimac says he has fit squad strength for the do-or-die encounter.

This means Sahal Abdul Samad and Lallinzuala Chhangte are back in the team for the crucial AFC Asian Cup. Sahal Abdul Samad is going to play a role in the game after he missed out on the first game following a contact injury during a domestic season match.

Igor Stimac, however, said the technically gifted midfielder won't start. "Sahal might take part in this game," said head coach Igor Stimac during the pre-match press conference."He feels good and has had several training sessions, but that doesn't mean he will start."

Lallinzuala Chhangte, on the other hand, played the opening match against Australia and looked lively for the first 15 minutes of the game. However, an injury during a training session before the Uzbekistan match saw him start from the bench. He played no role in the game as well.

Speaking of the challenges against Syria, who held Uzbekistan for a goal-less draw before losing out to Australia in a hard-fought 0-1 loss, Igor Stimac felt facing the World No. 94 side will be no tougher than their opponents in the first two matches.

"Syria is a very similar team to Uzbekistan with several experienced players coming from top tier divisions and based on experience I would say, physical side, playing in classical 4-4-2, strong boys upfront, good holding the ball, some nice good young talented players there in the squad also.

"You can see the way they move, they keep the shape, how strong they come forward, how they hold the ball. That's a very serious team. So the challenge for us will not be less than in the first two games," said Stimac.