Bangalore: Sunil Chhetri has set his sights on reaching a second AFC Asian Cup as India get set to take on the Kyrgyz Republic in Group A of the UAE 2019 qualifying campaign at Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Tuesday.
Chhetri, India’s most capped player and highest goalscorer, appeared at the 2011 AFC Asian Cup in Qatar in what was only the South Asian nation’s third appearance at the continental competition.
The forward netted a stoppage-time winner in the 1-0 victory in Myanmar in the first round of fixtures in March and, with Tuesday’s opponents having also claimed a 1-0 win over Macau, a second successive victory for the hosts would see them open up a three-point gap at the top of the standings.
“It’s a difficult group but not as difficult as we’re used to it because we always get the best teams,” JSW Bengaluru striker Chhetri told the-AFC.com. “It was tough in Myanmar as at times they dominated us, but that was a good message to our team that none of our goals are going to be easy.
“If we win [against the Kyrgyz Republic] that would be massive because they’re the most fancied team in this group so to beat them would give us a massive advantage.
“At home I really fancy our team so we really have to give our best and get three points. If we do that it would be a massive step towards qualification.”
Back in 2011, India reached the continental competition for the first time since 1984 and were paired alongside continental giants Australia and Korea Republic as well as Bahrain.
Although the South Asians exited at the first hurdle after three successive defeats, Chhetri believes the experience was invaluable for the side’s ongoing development.
“That was one of the best tournaments I’ve played in in my life,” said Chhetri, who still managed two goals in three games despite being on the losing side in all three fixtures.
“If our country wants to show proper growth we have to be part of the Asian Cup every time as it’s the biggest competition in Asia. We didn’t get there in 2015 so this time we have to qualify – it’s very important if we want to show constant improvement.
“We had the number one, three and 15 in Asia in our group so to see where you stood against these teams was good. There were moments when people thought we would get thrashed but we didn’t. Losing against bigger opponents helps you learn and you get more confidence from playing the best.”
Chhetri has long since been the hero of the national team, having scored more than 50 goals in just under 100 appearances.
At 32, the striker may not have too many more chances to represent his country in continental competitions but, whether the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 will be the final chapter or not, Chhetri will have plenty fond memories to look back upon.
“There are a few highlights that spring to mind,” added the forward. “But the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup when I scored a hat-trick in the final against Tajikistan (in a 4-1 win on home soil) was sweet.
“I never have long-term targets, I keep them short – next game, next week. That makes it more achievable for me.
“I never imagined I would score so many goals or play 90 games for my country, but I want to keep improving myself – be a better player next week, score more goals next week and win the next game.”
Photos: Lagardère Sports
Source: the-afc.com
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