The India U23 men’s football team made a dream start to their AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers campaign, defeating Bahrain 2–0 in Doha.
Goals from Muhammed Suhail in the first half and substitute Shivaldo Chingangbam deep into stoppage time sealed a statement victory for the Blue Colts, who displayed grit, discipline, and attacking intent from the very first whistle. The evening began with energy and belief. From the opening minutes, India looked sharp, pressing high and testing Bahrain’s defensive shape. Within 15 minutes, India carved out their first chance. Suhail, operating from the right flank, whipped in a dangerous low cross for Parthib Gogoi, but the forward couldn’t connect cleanly and the ball went out for a goal kick.
Just before the half-hour mark, India thought they had their breakthrough. Ricky’s precise through ball released Mohammed Sanan, who calmly rounded the goalkeeper and slotted home. However, the flag was up for offside, cutting celebrations short. But India did not have to wait long. In the 32nd minute, Muhammed Suhail produced a moment of individual brilliance. Twisting past his marker inside the box, he unleashed a precise left-footed strike into the bottom corner. The finish oozed confidence and gave India a deserved 1–0 lead.
Holding the Advantage
The Blue Colts nearly doubled their advantage just before half-time. Sanan latched onto a loose ball and attempted a half-volley from the edge of the box, only to see it fly agonizingly over the crossbar. The referee’s whistle sent India into the break 1–0 up a scoreline that reflected their attacking edge and defensive organization. Head coach Naushad Moosa, leading the side with tactical clarity, urged composure during the interval. The plan was simple: maintain intensity, stay compact, and exploit Bahrain’s gaps on the counter.
The second half resumed with the same tempo. Macarton Nickson, lively on the flanks, darted into the box in the 55th minute before cutting the ball back for Sanan, whose shot was blocked by a swarm of red shirts. Moosa then made a triple substitution in the 63rd minute, bringing on Sreekuttan MS, Shivaldo Chingangbam, and Macarton for fresh legs, while Suhail the goal scorer was rested after his influential shift. The move injected pace and dynamism into India’s attack.
Bahrain, desperate for an equalizer, pushed men forward, but India’s backline, marshalled with discipline, held firm. In the 69th minute, Ricky once again delivered a pinpoint cross, this time finding Shivaldo, whose header sailed narrowly over.
At the other end, goalkeeper Dheeraj Singh had little to do thanks to his defence’s organization. India’s midfield led by the tireless Lalrinliana Hnamte disrupted Bahrain’s rhythm and launched counters with speed.
Missed Chances, Nervy Moments
India could have put the contest beyond doubt earlier. In the 75th minute, Aimen, who had replaced Macarton, delivered a perfect cross for Sanan. The striker connected well but his effort from six yards went straight at the Bahraini goalkeeper. Moosa introduced fresh energy again in the 80th minute, replacing Sanan with Sahil Harijan, and later, in the 89th minute, Ayush Chhetri came on for Hnamte. Both substitutes immediately impacted the game. Aimen nearly scored in the 89th, testing the Bahraini goalkeeper with a powerful shot from outside the box. Moments later, Sahil Harijan also forced a save with a thunderous effort as India piled on the pressure.
As stoppage time ticked on, Bahrain pushed for an equaliser, leaving space behind. India seized the moment. In the 95th minute, Sreekuttan whipped in a sharp cross that found Shivaldo, who calmly slotted in from point-blank range. The Blue Colts’ bench erupted the game was done and dusted.
The 2–0 scoreline reflected not only India’s clinical finishing but also their ability to manage the game under pressure. When the final whistle blew, the celebrations were a mix of joy and relief.
This victory was significant for several reasons.
- Suhail’s Rising Influence : At just 20, Muhammed Suhail has become a focal point for India’s attack. His composure on the ball, sharp dribbling, and confident finishing were evident in his first-half strike.
- Impact of Substitutes : Moosa’s substitutions worked to perfection. Both Shivaldo and Sreekuttan combined for the second goal, while Aimen and Sahil also created chances that stretched Bahrain.
- Defensive Solidity : Despite facing sustained spells of pressure, India’s defence never lost shape. The coordination between the backline and midfield frustrated Bahrain, who struggled to create clear-cut chances.
- Mental Strength : Playing a high-stakes opener away from home, India showed maturity beyond their years. The patience after the disallowed goal and the resilience in holding the lead highlighted a growing belief within the squad.
This win sets the tone for India’s AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers campaign. With stronger opponents yet to come, including traditional Asian heavyweights, three points from the opener provide a crucial boost in confidence and momentum.
The performance also underlines the depth of talent in India’s youth ranks. With names like Suhail, Shivaldo, and Sanan making headlines, and Manu Bhaker-style rising stars in other sports showing India’s sporting transformation, football too appears to be heading in the right direction.
India’s 2–0 win over Bahrain will be remembered not just as a strong start to the qualifiers but also as a statement of intent. This young squad showed tactical awareness, individual brilliance, and collective resilience the hallmarks of a team growing in stature on the Asian stage. As the Blue Colts march ahead in their qualifying campaign, one thing is certain: the future of Indian football is beginning to shine brighter, and nights like these in Doha may one day be seen as turning points.
Final Score: Bahrain 0–2 India
Scorers: Suhail (32’), Shivaldo (90+5’)
