India marked their debut in the CAFA Nations Cup with a third-place finish, defeating higher-ranked Oman 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation and extra time at the Hisor Central Stadium on Monday.
Udanta Singh Kumam’s 80th-minute equaliser cancelled out Jameel Al Yahmadi’s opener in the 55th minute, forcing the match into extra time. Oman defender Ali Al Busaidi was sent off in the 96th minute, but neither side could find the winner in the additional 30 minutes.
In the shootout, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Rahul Bheke and Jithin MS converted for India, while Gurpreet Singh Sandhu pulled off the decisive save from Al Yahmadi to seal the bronze medal. Anwar Ali’s attempt was saved and Udanta missed, but Oman failed to capitalise as Harib Al Saadi and Ahmed Al Kaabi both missed their efforts. Only Thani Al Rushaidi and Muhsen Al Ghassani scored for them.
The contest was evenly matched despite Oman enjoying more possession. India created the first big chance in the 16th minute when Anwar Ali’s header from a long throw was denied by goalkeeper Ibrahim Al Mukhaini. Gurpreet was also kept busy, notably palming away Issam Al Sabhi’s long-range effort in the 25th minute.
Al Yahmadi’s strike put Oman ahead after the restart, but India’s late substitutions turned the tide. Udanta, introduced in the 78th minute, headed in Danish Farooq’s flick-on from a long throw to level the score. The goal stood after a lengthy VAR check.
India pressed further with the man advantage in extra time, but the match eventually went to penalties, where Sandhu’s heroics ensured a memorable finish to India’s maiden CAFA Nations Cup campaign.
India XI: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (C); Rahul Bheke, Anwar Ali, Nikhil Prabhu (Suresh Singh Wangjam 78’), Lallianzuala Chhangte, Vikram Partap Singh (Jithin MS 46’), Irfan Yadwad (Udanta Singh 78’), Mahesh Singh Naorem (Manvir Singh jr 64’), Hmingthanmawia Ralte, Muhammed Uvais (Roshan Singh Naorem 64’), Danish Farooq (Jeakson Singh Thounaojam 116’).
