India’s Under-23 football team put up a valiant effort but fell 1-2 to hosts Qatar in a hard-fought Group H clash of the AFC U-23 Asian Cup Qualifiers at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium in Doha on Saturday.
Riding high after a 2-0 win against Bahrain, the Blue Colts started on a positive note. In just the second minute, Muhammed Suhail came close to giving India an early lead, narrowly missing the target with a long-range effort. However, the home side gradually settled into the game, pushing forward with increasing intensity.
Qatar’s pressure paid off in the 18th minute. Off a well-delivered corner, Al Hashmi Mohialdin rose high to head the ball into the ground, which bounced over the Indian defence and nestled into the top corner, putting the host 1-0 up.
India refused to sit back. A competitive midfield battle ensued, with India finding space on the flanks and probing the Qatari defence. Parthib Gogoi and Mohammed Sannan delivered a series of crosses from wide areas, but India couldn’t find the finishing touch in the first half.
After the restart, India came out with renewed energy and equalised in the 52nd minute. A midfield interception by Macarton Louis Nickson allowed Suhail to break down the right. His initial cross flew long, but Sannan picked it up on the opposite wing and delivered a precise cross that Suhail met at the far post, heading home to make it 1-1.
However, the joy was short-lived. Just 15 minutes later, defender Pramveer brought down Noureldin Ibrahim inside the box, resulting in a penalty and a second yellow card that reduced India to 10 men. Qatar’s captain Jassem Al Sharshani stepped up and slotted the penalty home, despite India’s goalkeeper Sahil diving the right way.
Down a man, India was forced into a defensive posture, while Qatar looked to extend its lead. Sahil stood tall, making a series of crucial saves, including a stunning effort to deny Abdulaziz Hasan late in the game. The Indian defence, though stretched, continued to show resilience.
India had a final chance to equalise in stoppage time. Aimen’s corner kick found an unmarked Shivaldo at the far post, but the midfielder narrowly missed making contact.
With this win, Qatar tops Group H with six points from two matches. India remains on three points, level with Bahrain but ahead on head-to-head record. Despite the loss, the Blue Colts’ spirited display leaves them with everything to play for in the final group match.
