The Indian Under-19 football team was drawn in group 'F' of the AFC U-19 Championship Qualifiers 2020 on Thursday.
The team will be accompanied by hosts Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan and Afghanistan in group F of the AFC Championship.
"It is a tough draw for us and we are apprehensive of the strengths our opponents possess. But at the same time, the boys have shown that they can fight against some of the best teams (in the Hero I-League) and we are hopeful of our qualification chances," All India Football Federation quoted Floyd Pinto, the head coach of Indian U-19 team as saying.
"We would have to be on the top of our game if we are to qualify from this group", he added.
The Indian team was clubbed with Saudia Arabia in the last U-19 AFC Championship qualifiers in 2017 as well.
India had registered a 3-0 win over Turkmenistan and a 0-0 draw against Yemen, but they suffered a 0-5 loss to Saudi Arabia.
This loss halted India's progress and they were not able to go ahead from the qualifiers stage.
Group F of AFC U-19 Championship qualifiers: Saudi Arabia (H), Uzbekistan, India, Afghanistan.
The qualifiers are slated to be held from November 2-10, 2019.
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content
