India Begin AFC U-23 Asian Cup Qualifiers With 2-0 Win Over Bahrain

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.

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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.