Abu Dhabi: Defender Sandesh Jhingan Friday said hosts UAE may pose a serious threat to the country’s group stage campaign, but maintained the onus will be on India in the AFC Asian Cup, beginning here Saturday.
“UAE is the host team and I feel they will be tough to face. But I believe that the onus is all on us. If any team is over-confident or not at the top of its game, they can be beaten,” Jhingan was quoted as saying by AIFF official website.
“If you are prepared as a team and focused on the job at hand, you can make the game tough for the opponents,” he added.
This is India’s fourth appearance in the continental showpiece, with the last being in 2011 edition. The Blue Tigers were knocked out of the tournament in the group stage losing all three of their matches. Asked about the side’s chances in this edition, Jhingan said it will be tough but not impossible.
“We have to stick to our plan and perform as the coach wants us to. We have to keep showing the unity which has made us stand out. If we do that, we can grind out the results we need,” he added. India play their opener Sunday against Thailand, followed by games against UAE (January 10) and Bahrain (January 14), respectively.
