India U23 vs Qatar U23 Player Ratings: Suhail, Sanan impress; while Macarton, Hnamte disappoint

India U23 stumbled to a 2-1 loss against Qatar U23

India U23 Football Team fell short 2-1 against the Asian powerhouse Qatar U23 Football Team in the second round of the AFC U-23 Asia Cup Qualifiers on the 6th of September 2025, held at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium.

The Blue Colts displayed a positive intent coming onto the pitch and initiated some early attempts to attack and knock the opponent’s doors. But later, as the minutes kept ticking, the Qatari players displayed their dominance both physically and tactically and found their opener in the 17th minute with the services of Alhashmi Mohialdin, who headed in the opener for the Qatar U23 side.

And it's full time! 10-man Blue Colts succumb to an unfortunate loss against Qatar in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers despite a spirited performance! They will now face Brunei in their final match of the group stage on September 9! #IndianFootball #Indiau23 pic.twitter.com/xUPIObzTSx

— Khel Now (@KhelNow) September 6, 2025

Though the Blue Colts’ performance was a bit shaky in the first half, they came into power during the second half as they managed to score the equaliser off Suhail in the 52nd minute. However, just as things were going well for India, Pramveer conceded a penalty in the 66th minute, which earned him the second yellow of the match and laid the foundation for Qatar scoring their second goal and putting the game to bed.

Also Read: India U23 vs Qatar U23 Highlights: Follow AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers Replay

Here are the India U23 Player Ratings vs Qatar U23

Sahil Poonia – 6.5

Sahil held his hands to deny the opponents whenever they attempted to breach the Indian goal. The keeper, however, could have done better to stop Qatar U23 from scoring the opener as confusion with Fanai in the 16th minute led to them breaking the deadlock.

Dived to the right side during the penalty, but was beaten by the pace. Later, he delivered some solid saves to prevent Qatar from further scoring and also made some good distributions.

Harsh Palande – 7

Harsh did a decent job on the left flank and displayed his superiority over the physically dominant Qatari players during a couple of instances. Needed a bit more support from Sanan, but nevertheless, the full-back displayed his assertiveness by single-handedly managing the right flank and making an impenetrable fortress. Stood tall in the flank and never gave up.

Pramveer Singh – 5

Pramveer was caught off guard multiple times and had some issues in reading the game, and one such error from the centre back led to the opponent scoring the opener.

He was perceived as underconfident, and to his dismay, he was also shown a controversial yellow card in the 22nd minute of the match, which further heightened tensions for the Blue Colts. In the second half, Pramveer conceded a penalty and got the second yellow, resulting in a send-off.

Bikash Yumnam – 7

Bikash was subject to a lot of physical battles in the defensive third, but the captain did pretty well in the head-to-heads with them. Recovered the ball multiple times, won a couple of aerial and ground duels, coupled with a few interceptions. Kept his composure and made some last-ditch tackles under pressure when the opponents were aggressively attacking.

Ricky Meitei – 7.5

Ricky looked solid in the right back position throughout the match. Despite the lack of support from Suhail, the full-back made tackles and interceptions, won the ball, regained possession, and did well in progressing forward with the ball, and provided quick passes to the midfield.

Did everything right and displayed a brilliant individual performance. Was arguably the best player in the pitch for India U23.

Macarton Nickson – 4

Although the midfielder was very mobile and seen almost everywhere in the attacking half, the player struggled with first touches and had to succumb to the Qatari player’s pressure.

Lacked any significant involvement and had a decent day at the office, but could have done better in multiple aspects.

Fanai – 6

Fanai made some important interceptions and tackles to prevent the opponents from scoring in the first quarter of the game. Later, the full-back had struggled in decision-making and looked quite shaky.

He was also seen cheaply gifting the possession back to the opponents in some dangerous positions. Looked very well in the off-the-ball moves, but whenever the player had the ball with him, he struggled.

Lalrinliana Hnamte – 4

Hnamte was average in the midfield and did not create any value addition for the Blue Colts for the vast majority of the match. Made some bling passes, which either went to the opponents or the no-man’s land.

Once Pramveer was sent off, the midfielder was assigned the responsibility of a centre back. Still, to his disappointment, he failed to impress the manager in the new role and was immediately subbed off.

Muhammed Suhail – 7.5

Watch Indian wizkid Muhammed Suhail slot in a fantastic header to make it 1-1 for India in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifier against Qatar! #IndianFootball #IndiaU23FootballTeam pic.twitter.com/0Gmo6UJGtE

— Khel Now (@KhelNow) September 6, 2025

Tried to challenge the opponents with a shot in the third minute, but it was ultimately skied off. Suhail was a bit off in the first half as he was unable to create any significant offensive contribution and test the opponent’s backline.

However, in the 52nd minute, Suhail came to the fore as he clinically equalised the score with a leaping header after combining with Sanan. Went head-to-head with the physically superior players but was able to create trouble for them and add to their work.

Parthib Gogoi – 6

Parthib was average in the wings, with decent contributions at goal. Was bad in both on and off-the-ball movements, and though he provided a few crosses inside the 18-yard box, none of them actually helped the Blue Colts.

In the final quarter of the game, Parthib put in an immense workload and tracked back to support the backline and defend his goal.

Mohammed Sanan – 7.5

Won the second ball in the midfield during multiple instances, made some accelerated runs and switches to initiate the early attacks for India.

Made some good efforts to press the opponents and force them to commit errors. In the second half, Suhail beat the Qatari right back and provided a pinpoint cross to Suhail, who found the equaliser.

Substitutions

Ayush Chhetri – 6

Ayush looked very good from the very first minute he came on the pitch. Was very well involved and did well to challenge the opponents with his pace and intensity.

Sreekuttan MS – 6.5

Sreekuttan came in as a fresh leg in the second half and was one of the few players who could physically challenge the opponents in the match in real terms.

Shivaldo – 5

Shivaldo had a golden opportunity to equalise the score during the additional time of the second half, which he ultimately missed.

Mohammed Aimen – N/A

Saheef – N/A

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