Indian football team loses 2-1 to Qatar

The Indian football team went down 2-1 to hosts Qatar in their second Group H clash of the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium in Doha on Saturday.

Al Hashmi Mohialdin (18’) opened the scoring with a looping header from a corner, before Muhammed Suhail (52’) equalised for India. But a Jassem Al Sharshani penalty (67’) sealed three points for Qatar after defender Pramveer conceded the spot-kick and was sent off with a second yellow card.

With the win, Qatar sit firmly atop Group H with six points from two football matches. India remain on three, level with Bahrain but second on head-to-head record.

Brunei Darussalam is the other team in the group. India, coached by Naushad Moosa, won their opening match against Bahrain earlier this week and will play Brunei Darussalam next on Tuesday.

Only the group winners and the four best second-placed teams from the 11 groups will qualify for the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026, scheduled in January in Saudi Arabia.

India began brightly with Suhail shooting just over in the second minute. Qatar soon settled, Mohamed Surag forcing a smart save from goalkeeper Sahil before Mohialdin struck from a set piece.

The Blue Colts responded well late in the half, with Parthib Gogoi and Mohammed Sannan sending in teasing crosses that went unused. They were rewarded after the restart when Macarton Louis Nickson intercepted in midfield and launched an attack that ended with Sannan’s pinpoint delivery for Suhail to head home.

Parity lasted just 15 minutes as Pramveer’s foul on Noureldin Ibrahim inside the box left India a man short. Al Sharshani converted from the spot despite Sahil diving the right way. Qatar pushed for a third, but Sahil produced fine saves to deny Abdulaziz Hasan and others.

India nearly forced a late equaliser when Mohammed Aimen’s injury-time corner skimmed past an unmarked Shivaldo at the far post.

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