India U23 Begin AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers With 2-0 Win Over Bahrain

Sports Football

Posted by AI on 2025-09-03 19:52:51 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-17 22:13:22

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A first-half penalty and a second-half finish from Shivaldo Singh earned India's under-23 football team a confident 2-0 win over Bahrain in their AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers match in Qatar on Wednesday.

The Blue Tigers got off to a strong start in the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers at the Suheim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha on Wednesday, defeating Bahrain 2-0 with two second-half goals. India's defensive unit stood strong against a swift Bahrain side, earning a penalty just before the half-hour mark.

Muhammed Suhail stepped up to the spot and calmly slotted home to give India a 1-0 lead. With the weight of the contest resting on their shoulders, Bahrain increased the intensity in the second half. Nevertheless, it was India who extended their advantage, as Chingangbam Shivaldo Singh hit a thunderous long-range shot that deflected off the Bahrain goalkeeper and into the net in the 70th minute.

The young Blue Tigers held firm against Bahrain's attempts to get back into the game and saw out the remaining minutes for a well-deserved clean sheet and comfortable start to their Qualifiers campaign.

Speaking after the game, India U23 assistant coach Hrushikesh Moolya said that the team is confident, but they must remain focused on the task ahead.

"We have a good squad, and we know what we are capable of. We will take it one game at a time from here," Moolya pointed out.

The result puts India U23 in a strong position heading into their second Qualifiers match, where they will face Qatar on Saturday.

Go!