Qatar Defeats India 2-1, Advances in U-23 Asian Cup Qualifiers

Qatar moved closer to securing a spot in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026 by defeating India 2-1 in their Group H match on March 15, 2024. The victory at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium marked Qatar’s second consecutive win in the qualifiers, following a commanding 13-0 victory over Brunei earlier in the week.

Hashmi Al Hussain opened the scoring for Qatar in the 18th minute, heading the ball past Indian goalkeeper Sahil Poonia. Jassem Al Sharshani later extended Qatar’s lead with a penalty in the 65th minute after a foul on Noureldin Ibrahim. Although Muhammad Suhail equalized for India in the 52nd minute with a well-placed header, Qatar’s strong performance ultimately sealed the win.

Group H Standings and Upcoming Matches

This victory elevated Qatar to the top of Group H with six points and an impressive goal difference of +14. Both India and Bahrain currently have three points each, positioning Qatar favorably in the quest for qualification. The top team from each group, along with four best runners-up, will advance to the final tournament.

Despite a strong start from India, which pressured the Qatari defense with quick passes, Qatar struck first. Al Hussain capitalized on a defensive lapse, displaying his aerial prowess to give his team the early lead.

India responded well after halftime, with Suhail connecting with a cross from Mohammed Sanan to level the match. This moment of hope for the visitors was short-lived, as Pramveer Singh received a red card in the 65th minute for a second yellow card offense. The dismissal shifted the momentum back to Qatar, who made the most of their numerical advantage.

Al Sharshani’s penalty kick restored Qatar’s lead, marking his second goal in as many matches. From that point, Qatar displayed effective game management to maintain their advantage and secure the win.

Looking Ahead

With their perfect record intact, Qatar now turns its attention to the final group match against Bahrain, who convincingly defeated Brunei 10-0 in another Group H fixture. This upcoming match will be crucial for Qatar as they aim to solidify their place in the AFC U23 Asian Cup.

As the qualifiers progress, Qatar’s strong performance showcases their potential in youth football, setting the stage for a promising future on the international stage.