India vs Qatar: FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers Recap
Doha.12.06.2024 : India vs Qatar Football Match India’s Journey Ends with 2-1 Defeat to Qatar
In a tense showdown at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha, Qatar, the Indian men’s football team faced off against reigning Asian champions, Qatar, in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers. Despite putting up a spirited fight, India succumbed to a 2-1 defeat in their final Group A match, marking the end of their campaign in the second round of qualifiers.
India Vs Qatar Early Drama and Chhangte’s Opener
Right from the kickoff, Qatar applied pressure on India, keeping goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu on his toes. However, it was India who struck first blood, with Lallianzuala Chhangte finding the back of the net in the 37th minute after a well-executed play initiated by Brandon Fernandes.
Qatar’s Comeback and India’s Efforts
Qatar, determined to maintain their dominance, launched a relentless assault in the second half. Yousef Aymen leveled the score in the 73rd minute, setting the stage for a thrilling finale. Despite valiant efforts by Jay Gupta and Liston Colaco to reclaim the lead, Qatar’s Ahmed Al-Rawi shattered India’s hopes with a late goal in the 85th minute.
Farewell to the Qualifiers
With just one win in six matches, India bid farewell to the qualifiers, finishing third in Group A. Kuwait, emerging victorious in their final match against Afghanistan, clinched the second spot alongside Qatar, advancing to the next round of qualifiers.
India may have fallen short in their quest for World Cup glory, but their spirited performance against formidable opponents like Qatar highlights the promising future of Indian football on the global stage.
