The India U23 football team produced a fighting display in Doha on Saturday night before going down 1–2 to hosts Qatar in their second Group H match of the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers 2025.
It was a match that showcased the promise of this young Indian side under coach Naushad Moosa, even though a questionable penalty and a red card tilted the balance in favour of the hosts. Riding on the confidence of a 2–0 victory over Bahrain in their opening fixture, India started brightly. Within two minutes, forward Muhammed Suhail came close to giving India the lead, firing a shot just inches above the crossbar.
The early intent was clear India were not in Doha to merely sit back.
However, the hosts slowly found their rhythm. Qatar began to dictate possession, probing the Indian defence with quick interplays. Their breakthrough came in the 18th minute, when Al Hashmi Mohialdin rose high to meet a corner. His header bounced awkwardly off the turf, looping over the defence and nestling into the top corner to make it 1–0. For the rest of the half, India were forced into a midfield battle. Players like Fanai tried to dictate tempo, but Qatar’s pressing game disrupted India’s build-up. Still, Moosa’s side never let the game slip out of control, holding their shape and waiting for openings.
Suhail’s Moment of Brilliance
The second half saw a rejuvenated Indian team. Their intent was rewarded in the 52nd minute with a goal that underlined the quality of Muhammed Suhail. It began with midfielder Macarton winning a ball in the centre of the park and quickly releasing it down the flank. Suhail’s first cross went astray but fell to Sannan on the opposite wing. The winger whipped in a measured delivery, which Suhail met with a thunderous header at the far post. The ball bulged the net and India were level at 1–1.
It was a goal of character and determination, lifting the entire side. For a brief period, India looked the more threatening team, pressing higher and forcing Qatar into errors.
The Turning Point: Red Card and Penalty
Just as India looked to push on, the match turned dramatically. In the 67th minute, defender Pramveer was adjudged to have pulled down Qatar’s Noureldin Ibrahim inside the box. The referee immediately pointed to the spot and flashed a second yellow to Pramveer, reducing India to ten men. Replays suggested the contact was minimal, sparking debate, but the decision stood. Jassem Al Sharshani, Qatar’s captain, stepped up and slotted home the penalty with composure to restore the lead at 2–1.
The setback was cruel. India had fought their way back into the match, only to be undone by a moment of controversy and numerical disadvantage.
Despite being a man down, India refused to retreat. Moosa’s men kept chasing every ball, closing down spaces, and even creating half-chances. In the 63rd minute, Sunil Chhetri attempted a delightful chipped pass for Suhail, but it ran just ahead into the goalkeeper’s arms a reminder of how close India were to turning the tide.
In stoppage time, India earned one final opportunity. Aimen’s corner sailed towards the far post where Shivaldo was lurking unmarked. Agonisingly, it sailed just beyond his head. That was the last chance, and Qatar breathed a sigh of relief as the referee blew the whistle.
Qatar Stay on Top, India Still in the Hunt
With the win, Qatar moved to six points from two games, sitting firmly at the top of Group H. India, with three points, are placed second, ahead of Bahrain on head-to-head record. Brunei remain bottom without a point. Importantly, the qualification format offers a lifeline. The 11 group winners and the four best second-placed teams qualify for the final tournament. India, currently second in their group, also rank third in the best runners-up standings keeping hopes alive.
Lessons and Positives for India
While the result stung, there were several takeaways for India:
- Fearless Attitude: Moosa’s side didn’t park the bus even against the hosts. They attacked, pressed, and showed belief, a refreshing approach at this level.
- Emergence of Suhail: The young forward’s header was the moment of the night. His movement, aerial ability, and confidence marked him as a key player for India’s future.
- Resilience with 10 Men: After Pramveer’s dismissal, India could have crumbled. Instead, they fought toe-to-toe and nearly forced a late equaliser.
- Room for Growth: The need for faster decision-making in midfield (as seen with Fanai’s slower distribution) and better discipline in defence were evident. These are areas to work on, but they come with experience.
Indian football has long been criticised for lacking fight against top Asian sides. This U23 team is beginning to change that narrative. Even in defeat, the performance in Doha was celebrated by fans and pundits for the spirit and quality displayed. Yes, there was frustration particularly with Pramveer’s red card and the dubious penalty. But the broader takeaway was optimism. This is a group of players learning to compete with Asia’s elite, developing both skill and the so-called “dark arts” of the game essential at the international level.
The 2–1 loss to Qatar may go down as a defeat in the record books, but in reality, it felt like a statement of intent from India’s U23s. They stood tall against the group favourites, matched them for long spells, and even outplayed them at times. As the qualification campaign continues, India still have everything to play for. More importantly, they have shown the mentality, tactical sharpness, and fighting spirit required to become a force in Asian football.
For now, one image lingers: Muhammed Suhail rising above defenders to thump in a header a goal that symbolised not just India’s equaliser on the night, but also the rise of a new, fearless generation in Indian football.
