Picture Credit: Twitter
After registering a 1-0 win over Kuwait in their first 2026 World Cup Qualifier, India, under the leadership of Sunil Chhetri took on Asian Champions Qatar in their second-round qualifier match on Tuesday. The match took place on November 21, at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar. In their 2022 World Cup second round qualifiers in Doha, the Men in Blue showcased some powerful football skills to end the match with a 0-0 tie with Qatar, but the result did not go their way tonight.
Chhetri and Co. saw the absence of their star defender Mandip Singh, who became a hero for his side after scoring the only goal in their clash against Kuwait. The visiting side got off to a dreamy start and set up their dominance over their Indian counterparts after Mustafa Meshaal netted a goal within four minutes into the game.
Needless to say, the Men in Blue missed the presence of the experienced goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu. Indian defender Sandesh Jhingan received a yellow card, after a dangerous tackle. After missing out on several chances, India fought back in the game as goalkeeper Amrinder Singh saved some crucial goals for his side.
The Indian skipper also missed some easy chances and failed to score for his side. India trailed 0-1 by the end of the first half before Qatar extended it 0-2 against them just before the second half, with Almoez Ali’s goal.
Despite having several chances to score, the Men in Blue failed to put up a decent show and before they could realise the visitors scored their third goal resulting in a 0-3 defeat for Sunil Chhetri and Co.
