AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers: Blasts in Doha; India U23 crush Brunei 6-0 amid security fears

India's U23 football team triumphed over Brunei 6-0 in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers, led by Vibin Mohanan's hat-trick. Despite the victory and finishing with six points, qualification hinges on other match results. Celebrations were muted amidst reports of explosions in Doha, allegedly targeting Hamas leaders by Israeli forces.

India’s U23 men’s national football team stamped their authority in Group H of the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers, routing Brunei Darussalam 6-0 at the Suheim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha on Tuesday. The Blue Colts, already having beaten Bahrain 2-0 and narrowly losing to hosts Qatar 1-2, finished their campaign with six points, leaving qualification hopes dependent on other results.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! Midfielder Vibin Mohanan was the star of the show, scoring a rapid-fire hat-trick in the 5th, 7th, and 62nd minutes. Ayush Chhetri (41’) and Mohammed Aimen (87’, 90+7’) added three more for a comprehensive victory. India wasted no time asserting dominance, with Muhammed Suhail’s cutback setting up Vibin for the opener in the fifth minute, followed by a looping second goal that left Brunei goalkeeper helpless. A fine one-two between Chhetri and Sreekuttan MS set up India’s third, before Vibin completed his hat-trick with a curling free-kick in the second half. Aimen’s long-range strikes sealed the emphatic 6-0 win.

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However, the celebrations in Doha were overshadowed by security concerns. Several explosions were reported across the Qatari capital, with smoke rising over the Katara district. Israeli media cited senior officials, reporting that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Israeli Security Agency (ISA) targeted senior Hamas leaders allegedly responsible for orchestrating attacks against Israel, including the October 7 strikes. The IDF stated that “precise munitions” were used with additional intelligence to minimise civilian casualties. Israeli Prime Minister confirmed full responsibility, while US President Donald Trump reportedly approved the operation, according to Israeli Channel 12. Despite the tense backdrop, India’s youngsters remained focused on the pitch, dominating Brunei with clinical finishing and controlled possession. The Blue Colts now await the Bahrain-Qatar result at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium, which could see India finishing top of the group depending on the scoreline. Should Qatar hold or win, India would need a UAE victory by four or more goals over Iran to advance as one of the best runners-up. Coach Moosa and his squad will hope to carry this momentum forward, even as the international community monitors the unfolding security situation in Doha.

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