India began their AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers campaign on a winning note, defeating Bahrain 2-0 at the Suheim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha, Qatar, on Wednesday.
Goals from Muhammed Suhail in the first half and substitute Chingangbam Shivaldo Singh in stoppage time sealed the three points for the Blue Colts in their opening Group H fixture.
The match saw end-to-end action from the outset. India survived an early scare in the eighth minute when Bahrain forward Mahmood Abdulla dispossessed goalkeeper Sahil inside the penalty area but struck the side-netting with an open goal in front of him.
After steadying themselves, India began to grow into the game, creating chances through striker Parthib Sundar Gogoi and Mohammed Sanan, though the latter was denied by an offside flag.
The breakthrough came in the 32nd minute. Suhail latched on to a pass from Macarton Louis Nickson on the right flank, turned his marker inside the box and fired into the bottom corner to give India the lead.
Bahrain pressed hard for an equaliser, but India remained dangerous on the counter. Substitute Mohammed Aimen’s pace troubled the opposition, while Shivaldo nearly doubled the lead with a header in the 68th minute. Bahrain thought they had scored when Sayed Mahmood Almoosawi found the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
The game was finally put to bed deep into stoppage time, when Sreekuttan MS whipped in a cross from the left for Shivaldo, who dived in to slot home India’s second and secure victory.
India will next face their Group H opponents later this week as they look to push for qualification to the continental tournament.
India U23 XI: Sahil (GK), Bikash Yumnam (C), Lalrinliana Hnamte, Pramveer, Mohammed Sanan K (Sahil Harijan 80’), Parthib Gogoi (Sreekuttan MS 64’), Harsh Palande, Macarton Nickson (Chingangbam Shivaldo Singh 64’), Muhammed Suhail (Mohammed Aimen 64’), Lalremtluanga Fanai, Ricky Meetei Haobam.
