India is confronted with a heavy Qatar test in AFC U-23 Asian Cup 2026 qualifications

After starting with his AFC UNDER-23 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers campaign with a solid 2-0 victory over Bahrain, the Indian U-23 team of the men will now be confronted with host Qatar in his second group H match in the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium in Doha.

The competition starts at 10.30 p.m.

The Blue Colts want to create history by being eligible for the AFC U-23 Asian Cup for the first time. With the group winners assured of a direct ticket to Saudi Arabia 2026 and only four best second sides in all 11 groups that join them, the collision against Qatar could prove to be crucial in shaping India’s qualification.

Read also | India beats Bahrain to start AFC U-23 Asian Cup qualifications on winning note

«It is always a good thing to start with a victory and get those three points,» said India head coach Naushad Moosa after the victory over Bahrain. «That victory gave us a lot of hope and conviction that if we do well against Qatar, we get the chance to qualify. It is very important that we will continue with a winning mentality.»

Qatar started his campaign with a pounding 13-0 win over Brunei Darussalam, with his attacking bravery. Moosa recognized the challenge and said: «Qatar is probably one of the best teams in Asia with which we can be confronted. The playing style is completely different from that of Bahrain. It trusts short steps, fast switches and lots of wing game. We have to concentrate on stopping those movements of the sides.»

Looking at the larger whole, Moosa underlined the importance of the campaign for the development of the team. «This campaign is very important to us. If we win, we have a good chance of going further. That would be more camping, more friendly competitions and better preparation for not only the AFC U-23 Asian Cup, but also future competitions such as the 2026 Asian games. Continuity is the key.»

Published on 06 September 2025