6-goal blitz not enough for India U23

The India U23 men’s football team bowed out of the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers despite a commanding 6-0 win over Brunei Darussalam in their final Group H match at the Suheim Bin Hamad Stadium.

The victory, powered by a hat-trick from midfielder Vibin Mohanan, gave India six points from three matches. However, their fate depended on the parallel clash between Qatar and Bahrain. Hosts Qatar staged a dramatic comeback with two stoppage-time goals to win 2-1, sealing top spot with a perfect nine points and leaving India second in the group.

With only the four best second-placed teams (across 11 groups) advancing, India’s tally placed them fifth, agonisingly short of qualification.

India struck early against Brunei, with Vibin scoring twice inside the opening seven minutes the first a neat finish from close range and the second an audacious lob that caught the goalkeeper off guard. Ayush Chhetri added a third in the 41st minute after combining well with Sreekuttan MS.

Vibin completed his hat-trick in the 62nd minute with a curling free-kick, before substitutes Mohammed Aimen and Ayush Chhetri took charge late on. Aimen struck the woodwork once and saw a goal ruled out for offside, but eventually netted twice in the dying minutes with long-range efforts to seal the rout.

Despite their dominant display, India’s earlier loss to Qatar proved decisive in the final standings. The Blue Colts showcased flair and attacking intent but will be left to reflect on missed opportunities that cost them a place in the continental showpiece.

For now, they return home with pride in their performance, but heartbreak in their hearts.