Ryan Williams’ Participation in Bangladesh vs India AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifier: Will He Play?
India is set to face Bangladesh in a crucial AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifier at the National Stadium in Dhaka. The match is taking place on Tuesday and is described as a “dead rubber” event. India has already been eliminated from the tournament, having recorded no wins in their four qualifying matches.
Ryan Williams’ Participation in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifier
Ryan Williams, currently a forward for Bengaluru FC, was included in India’s 23-man squad that traveled to Bangladesh on Saturday. Notably, Williams recently renounced his Australian citizenship and acquired an Indian passport in pursuit of his football career.
Friendly Match Experience
Prior to this qualifier, Williams participated in a closed-door friendly against Bhutan on November 13. His performance in this match showcased his potential contribution to the Indian team.
Delay in Paperwork
Despite his readiness, Ryan Williams will not play in the crucial match against Bangladesh. The delay in obtaining necessary documentation has hindered his debut for the national team. For participation in official matches, he required a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Football Australia.
The NOC was delayed and only received on November 18, which was after the registration deadline of November 17 at 11:59 PM. This oversight prevents him from being eligible to play in the ongoing qualifier.
Upcoming Matches in the Qualification Campaign
Following the match against Bangladesh, India will have only one remaining qualification match. They are scheduled to host Hong Kong, China, on March 31, 2024. This match will be pivotal, even though India has already been eliminated from the chance to qualify for the 2027 tournament.
- Date of Match: November 21, 2023
- Location: National Stadium, Dhaka
- Final Match of Qualification: March 31, 2024
The absence of Ryan Williams in this match is disappointing for fans eager to see new talent make their mark in international football.
