How can India qualify for its very first AFC U-23 Asian Cup? – Scenarios explained

After a tough version in his scary defeat for hosts Qatar, the Indian U23 men’s team gets a final chance to qualify for his very first AFC Under-23 Asian Cup When the Brunei Darussalam accepts in his last group H Fecture in the Suheim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha.

How can India qualify – Scenarios

With three points from the opening profit against Bahrain, India remains contrary to a historical qualification. A victory against Brunei Darussalam will keep the Blue Colts in the race, either as a potential group winner or among the four best second place in all groups. With target difference that plays a crucial factor in the ranking, the more India scores, the better the opportunities are.

• If India Brunei beats Darussalam and Bahrain, Qatar (with no more than two goals) beats the last group H match that is played in the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium on Tuesday, will end in the first place and confirm the qualification (due to a better head-head goal in the agreements that the top goal).

• If Qatar draws at least drawing versus bahrain, then India cannot end first and must be dependent on favors from other groups to achieve one of the top four of all second teams placed.

• With Qatar on top of the table with six points and Bahrain also on three, India’s collision against Brunei Darussalam will be decisive in the last classification of the H. Group

What does the head coach say?

India -head coach Naushad Moosa emphasized the importance of staying sharp against Brunei, who have admitted heavily in their first two games. «Such games are very challenging. If you know that Qatar scored 13 goals, and then Bahrain 10 scored, I just want my boys not to relax,» he said. «We must have a good goal difference, so we must be focused. This is what we need now. Ninety minutes, you just think about the game and just keep scoring.»

Moosa also proudly expressed the fight of his team against Qatar and called for the same determination of Brunei. «It was a great fight by the team, I am proud of them. We could have had a better result, but we have to keep our heads high and look at the next game. We still have hope to qualify if it is the second best team or even as group winners. It is important that we stay focused.»

«They look charging and they know the challenge. They know what is expected of them. The way they played against Qatar, I have no doubt about their intentions. I am sure they will give them 100 percent,» he added.

When and where is the India vs Brunei AFC U-23 Asian cup qualifying match?

The match starts at 8:45 PM Isst on Tuesday 9 September in the Suheim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha.

Published on September 9, 2025