India began its AFC Under-23 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers campaign with a 2-0 win over Bahrain at the Suheim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha, Qatar, on Wednesday.
With Muhammed Suhail’s strike in the 32nd minute and Chingangbam Shivaldo Singh doubling the score in the 95th, India secured three points in their opening Group H fixture.
The match began frantically. Early on, Bahrain nearly struck first in the eighth minute when India goalkeeper Sahil was dispossessed inside his own box by Mahmood Abdulla, who, with the goal at his mercy, could only hit the side-netting.
That early scare jolted India into rhythm, as the side gradually settled and began creating chances on the counter. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 32nd minute through a moment of individual brilliance from Suhail. Released down the right by Macarton Louis Nickson, the winger dazzled with quick footwork to wrong-foot his marker before slotting into the bottom corner.
