Daijiworld Media Network – Doha

Doha, Sep 7: India’s U-23 football team suffered a 1-2 defeat against hosts Qatar in the AFC Under-23 Asian Cup qualifier, a match overshadowed by a controversial penalty decision.

Qatar opened the scoring in the 18th minute when Al Hashmi Mohialdin’s header from a corner bounced over India’s defence into the top corner. India fought back in the second half as Muhammed Suhail equalised in the 52nd minute with a precise header from a Sannan cross.

The game’s turning point came when India defender Pramveer Singh fouled Noureldin Ibrahim inside the box, earning his second yellow card and reducing India to 10 men. The referee awarded a penalty, sparking outrage on social media. Qatar captain Jassem Al Sharshani converted, restoring the hosts’ lead.

India had started strongly, with Suhail missing an early chance in the second minute. Despite persistent midfield pressure and creative play, including a through ball from Chhetri to Suhail in the 63rd minute, the Blue Colts could not find another equaliser.

Qatar now leads Group H with six points from two matches. India and Bahrain are level on three points, but the Blue Colts hold a superior head-to-head record. The match leaves Indian fans questioning the penalty that decided the contest.