In football, India began the AFC Under-23 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers campaign with a 2-0 victory against Bahrain at Doha, Qatar. Muhammed Suhail and Chingangbam Shivaldo Singh scored the two goals, as India registered three points in the first game of Group H.
Suhail gave India the lead in the 31st minute with an incredible solo strike. In the second half, Bahrain pushed hard for an equaliser, with Sayed Mahmood Almoosawi having a goal ruled out due to offside. India sealed the match with a last-minute goal from Shivaldo, tapping in from close range.
The Blue Colts have never been able to qualify for the tournament. This is an opportunity of a lifetime for an Indian team that has the talent to create history. The group winners and the four best second-placed teams from the 11 groups will qualify for the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026. Saudi Arabia has already qualified for the tournament as the host nation. A total of 44 teams, divided into 11 groups of four each, are competing for the remaining 15 spots during the Qualifiers.
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