U23 Asian Cup qualifier: India seek big win against Brunei Darussalam - highlights
Tonight is India's last chance to qualify for its first-ever AFC U23 Asian Cup.
India go into this fixture with three points. (Photo credit: AIFF)
India fell to Qatar by a narrow margin in their previous outing, but on Tuesday night, they have yet another opportunity to qualify for their first-ever AFC U23 Asian Cup when they take on Brunei Darussalam in their final Group H fixture at the Suheim bin Hamad Stadium in Doha.
India go into this fixture with three points in their kitty courtesy their victory against Bahrain.
The Blue Colts can progress either as potential group winners or as among the four best runners-up across all groups if they were to beat Brunei Darussalam. That said, a critical factor will be the goal difference.
Remember, Qatar scored 13 goals against Brunei Darussalam, after which Bahrain pumped in 10 in their fixture. This means that if India beats Brunei Darussalam and Bahrain beat Qatar (by not more than two goals) in the last Group H match India will finish in first place and confirm their qualification (owing to a better head-to-head goal difference in the matches involving the top three teams).
Can the Blue Colts deliver the goods against Brunei Darussalam?
Live action begins at 8.45pm IST.
Highlights...
Thanks for following our live coverage of India vs Brunei in the AFC U23 Qualifiers. The Blue Colts wrapped up a 6–0 win, but their qualification fate now lies elsewhere.
That’s all from us tonight — good night and see you next time!
A commanding performance from India in Doha. Vibin Mohanan’s first-half hat-trick set the tone, before Mohammed Aimen’s late brace and a superb free-kick completed the rout.
Mohammed Aimen strikes again to complete his brace. Another surging run down the left saw him curl a precise effort into the far post.
Mohammed Aimen produces a moment of magic. The Kerala winger charged down the left flank, cut inside brilliantly, and slotted home with a superb solo effort. Alongside hat-trick hero Vibin Mohanan, Aimen adds to the Kerala connection on the scoresheet.
Sahil Harijan thought he had scored, slotting the ball into the net, but the flag was raised for offside. India’s wait for a fifth goal goes on.
With qualification hopes hinging on goal difference, India continue to press hard for more goals. Every attack is being played with urgency as they look to maximise their tally against Brunei.
Vibin Mohanan steps up and curls in a stunning free-kick to complete his hat-trick. A moment of individual brilliance from the midfielder makes it 4–0 for India, further tightening their grip on the game.
Parthib Gogoi found himself with a golden chance inside the box, but his effort was denied by the Brunei goalkeeper. The rebound also fell kindly for him, yet he couldn’t convert, letting Brunei off the hook.
And we're back for the second half of this 'must-win-big' game for the Blue Colts.
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