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In the 2025 CAFA Nations Cup third-place match between India and Oman at the Hisor Central Stadium, both teams displayed fighting spirit but the former succeeded in bagging the victory. Oman were unbeaten before the contest and they were looking poised in the crucial contest against the Blue Tigers. In the first half, both teams failed to score against each other but in the 55th minute, Al Yahmadi notched up a goal and gave chills to Indian supporters. With Oman having control after the 70 minutes of the match, India required a majestic performance from their players to level scores.
Eventually, winger Udanta Singh Kumam stepped up and racked up a goal for the Blue Tigers in the 80th minute. After 95 minutes of play, scores remained 1-1 and both teams were allotted 30 minutes extra. However, both teams endeavored to go ahead against each other but the scoreline remained unchanged. Eventually, the penalty round came into the scene.
India dominate Oman in penalty shoot-out to clinch victory
Lallianzuala Chhangte was the first to attempt the penalty kick and he succeeded in outclassing Oman’s goalie. Al Saadi was tasked to level scores for Oman in the penalty shoot but he didn’t succeed. Rahul Bheke and Anwar Ali also got the opportunity but the latter didn’t succeed in scoring. Jithin MS succeeded in hoodwinking the goalkeeper and took his team a step closer to the victory as Oman were trailing by 3-1. However, Al Ghassani scored a goal and kept Oman alive in the game.
With Al Yahmadi missing the final penalty opportunity, India were declared victorious. Gurpreet Singh Sandhu stopped Yahmadi and became the Man of the Match. During the tournament, India played four matches and emerged victorious in two. Against Iran, they faced a crushing defeat of 3-0 but following that loss, they came back stronger to conclude their campaign in the third spot.
