India’s chances of qualifying for next year’s AFC Under-23 Asian Cup was dealt a blow after it went down 1-2 to host Qatar in a Group H qualifier on Saturday at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium in Doha.
After this loss, India now sits second in the group with three points from two games. Only the 11 group winners and four best second-placed teams will make the cut for the continental tournament.
The host took the lead within the first 20 minutes of the match with Al Hashmi Mohialdin scoring a header from a corner. The teams went into half-time with Qatar leading by a goal.
India equalised soon after the break with Mohammed Suhail — who had scored in the Blue Colts’ 2-0 win over Bahrain in their campaign opener — turned in Mohammed Sanan’s cross into the back of the net with a header.
However, in the 67th minute, Qatar restored its lead through Jassem Al Sharshani’s strike from the penalty spot after Pramveer was found bringing Noureldin Ibrahim down inside the box.
India will face Brunei in its final qualifier on Tuesday, September 9.
More to follow…
Published on Sep 07, 2025
