India U-23 pay the penalty against Qatar

India U-23 made a promising start against Qatar and looked good enough to pick up a crucial point but were left to rue a soft penalty that allowed the hosts to script a 2-1 win in the AFC U-23 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium in Doha, Qatar, on Saturday.

Al Hashmi Mohialdin (18’) gave Qatar the lead, before Muhammed Suhail (52’) equalised for India. However, a Jassem Al Sharshani (67’) penalty, and consequent sending off of defender Pramveer, ensured three points for Qatar and a place at the top of the group.

“It was a great fight by the team, I'm proud of them,” said coach Naushad Moosa. “We could have had a better result, but we need to keep our heads high and look (forward) to the next game. We still have hope to qualify as the second-best team. It's important that we stay focused.”

India took Qatar by surprise with a performance that had heart and energy. The wingers – Muhammed Suhail and Mohammed Sanan – were impressive and caused plenty of discomfort to the rival defence.

Qatar took the lead in the 18th minute when Mohialdin, from a cornerkick, headed the ball powerfully into the ground, making it loop over the heads of the Indian defence after the bounce as it found the top corner.

India equalised in the second half with Sanan and Suhail combining. Sanan’s measured cross from the left was headed home by Suhail at the far post.

India looked good enough for a point, could have even sneaked a win, but hopes ended in the 67th minute after defender Pramveer brought down Noureldin Ibrahim inside the box and the referee pointed at the spot.

Pramveer was also sent off for a second bookable offence, reducing India to ten men.

With only the 11 group winners guaranteed a place in next year’s tournament, India will now have to wait for results in the final round to see if they can qualify as the four best second-placed teams. Turkmenistan, Yemen, China, Iran, all placed second, have six points after two games, while Kuwait, Kyrgyz Republic, Lebanon, Cambodia and Indonesia are on four points.

India have three points and face bottom-placed Brunei in the concluding league clash on Tuesday. Brunei have conceded 23 goals in their two matches against Qatar (13-0) and Bahrain (10-0).