Brave 10-Man India Falls Short: 1-2 Defeat to Qatar in AFC U23 Clash

Al Hashmi Mohialdin scored early to give Qatar the lead, but Muhammed Suhail managed to equalize for India. Nevertheless, a penalty by Jassem Al Sharshani secured victory for Qatar on Saturday.

Encouraged by their previous 2-0 win over Bahrain, India began the game energetically, with Suhail narrowly missing a shot over the crossbar in the second minute.

Qatar gradually took command and went ahead in the 18th minute when Mohialdin headed a corner with power, bouncing it over the Indian defense into the top corner.

An intense midfield battle followed after Qatar’s lead, as India sought ways to level the score.

The Blue Colts fought back in the second half, their determination rewarded when Macarton intercepted a pass, allowing Suhail a chance on the right wing. Suhail’s cross, although long, reached Sannan on the opposite wing.

Sannan delivered a precise cross, enabling Suhail to nod it in at the far post for the equalizer.

In the 63rd minute, Chhetri chipped the ball towards Suhail but Ghulais collected it before it could reach him.

The game’s dynamic shifted dramatically a few moments later when Indian defender Pramveer fouled Noureldin Ibrahim in the box, prompting the referee to award a penalty.

Pramveer received a second yellow card, reducing India to 10 men.

Qatar’s captain, Al Sharshani, converted the penalty despite goalkeeper Sahil’s accurate guess, restoring Qatar’s lead.

With more space to exploit, Qatar aimed for a third goal to secure their victory.

India had a final chance to equalize with a corner during injury time, but Aimen’s delivery just missed Shivaldo, who was unmarked.

This win puts Qatar at the top of the Group H standings with six points from two matches. Bahrain, having defeated Brunei Darussalam earlier, has three points like India but remains in third place due to their head-to-head record against India.

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