AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers: Check all results after Matchday 1

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Published at :September 4, 2025 at 5:57 PM

Modified at :September 4, 2025 at 5:57 PM

AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers: Check all results after Matchday 1

India thumped Bahrain on Wednesday to begin the AFC U23 Asian Cup qualifiers campaign.

The race to the AFC U23 Asian Cup has begun. Teams have made their first assault. In Group H, the Indian U23 team made a victorious start to the AFC U23 Asian Cup qualifiers after hammering Bahrain with a 2-0 score line. This headline win has rewarded India with the all-important three points.

The other heavyweights like Qatar, UAE, and Australia have also announced their arrival in the qualifiers. All these Asian giants have registered jaw-dropping results, scoring in double digits. They are strong contenders to finish at the top of their respective groups.

#AFCU23 Qualifiers returns with a bang with some big results being registered on Matchday One! pic.twitter.com/lKhzgCeX7g
— #WAC2026 (@afcasiancup) September 3, 2025

Also Read: India kick off AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers campaign with a stellar win over Bahrain

Qatar and India reign supreme in Group H

India brushed aside Bahrain in a comprehensive 2-0 win. The Indian U23 football team have made a great start to the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers. The Blue Colts have registered a remarkable 2-0 victory over Bahrain in the opening qualifying fixture. Naushad Moosa's boys dominated the proceedings throughout the match and ended the game in fashion. It was a collective team effort with some players doing the headline act for India. This talented side produced a masterclass to gain three crucial points. In this article, we will look into the individual performances and rate them. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHtb_FnpZzk Also Read: India kick off AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers campaign with a stellar win over Bahrain India Player Ratings Sahil (8/10) The biggest positive for Sahil would be the clean sheet that he has kept. The Indian custodian did look nervous at the start, but as the match progressed, he grew in confidence. His distribution was impressive. The decision-making helped India defend their fort. Whenever required, he made some solid punches averting the danger. Ricky (7.5/10) Ricky Meetei had an impactful game in the right-back position. He was under the pump but dealt with the pressure calmly. Later in the match, he also advanced into the forward areas and made some blazing overlapping runs. His crosses created chaos in Bahrain's final third, and not just that, he was solid in the defense as well. Bikash (8/10) India's captain played an instrumental role in the game with a solid defensive performance. He was the rock at the back and played as the last man standing in the defense. His physical strength shone in the game, and India would want their captain to continue this form in the next game. Pramveer (8/10) Pramveer was one of the best performers for India on Wednesday night. He was electric in his recovery and was miles ahead of his opponents in terms of pace. The Indian centre-back was aggressive in his defending and anticipated the movement of the opposition players. He also played some delicious diagonals, initiating the attack for India. Harsh Palande (8/10) Harsh Palande was not the first choice left-back for Naushad Moosa. But he made his way into the team through a trial and showed his class against Bahrain. The FC Goa player started confidently and remained on top of his game throughout the match. He was dominant in the air and won several headers. Palande also showed his versatility as he came into the midfield as well to give a numerical superiority to India. Hnamte (7.5/10) Hnamte was a key figure for the Blue Colts. He played the role of a box-to-box midfielder to great effect. The 22-year-old midfielder made some great tackles to fizzle out the opposition attack. Hnamte's presence made sure India were not caught off guard at any point. Fanai (8.5/10) Lalremtluanga Fanai was a calm customer in the midfield for India. He was excellent in shielding the defense and neutralized the attack through the central channel. His passing was immaculate, which helped India gain control of the proceedings. Apart from controlling the centre of the park, he was also key in starting the attacking buildup on some occasions. Macarton Louis Nickson (8/10) Macarton Louis Nickson was India's main man in terms of creating chances. His passing created havoc in Bahrain's half. Macarton was press-proof in the midfield and used his physicality to his advantage. Going ahead in the tournament he will be instrumental for India's chances. Suhail (9.5/10) Muhammed Suhail is India's man of the moment. His performance against has turned many heads. It is not just the goal that has made headlines, but his sheer presence on the right wing was a treat to watch. He proved to be a nightmare for Bahrain's left-back. If Suhail remains fit, he would be the creator in chief for the Blue Colts. Sanan (8/10) Mohammad Sanan was on a roll on the left wing for India. He was unlucky not to score a goal. In the 27th minute, he scored a goal with finesse but was adjudged offside. Had that goal been counted, Sanan would have looked more deadly. The Jamshedpur FC winger was a menace for the opposition full-back. He also contributed to the defense by tracking back and adding another head in the defense. Parthib Gogoi (7/10) Parthib Gogoi is a project in progress in the striker's role. That is not his natural position, but he adapted well. His combined hold-up play was impressive and brought other players into the game. Finishing is an area of improvement that he would work upon, but there is no doubt that he will play a crucial role for India in this qualifying campaign. Substitutes Shivaldo Singh (8/10) Shivaldo Singh scored the second goal for India and completed a historic victory. His impact stay on the pitch made sure India earn all three points from the game. Mohammad Aimen (7/10) Aimen came off the bench and created some outstanding chances. He also took a great shot that was saved by the keeper. The jersey No.7 would take positives from this game moving ahead. Sreekuttan (7/10) Sreekuttan was the creator of the second goal which was ultimately converted by Shivaldo Singh. Sreekuttan had an impressive game as a substitute and can be looked at in the next matches. Sahil Harijan (7/10) Sahil Harijan looked dangerous in some instances, mostly moving inside through the wings. Naushad Moosa will be impressed by the shift that Sahil put in the last few minutes. What was the result of India U23 vs Bahrain U23 in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers?India U23 defeated Bahrain U23 2-0 in their opening Group H match at the Suheim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha.Who scored for India U23 against Bahrain?Muhammed Suhail opened the scoring in the 32nd minute, and Chingangbam Shivaldo Singh sealed the win with a 90+4’ strike.What’s next for India U23 in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers?India will next face Qatar U23 in their second Group H fixture on September 6, 2025.

Group H of the AFC U23 Asian Cup qualifiers saw one-sided affairs on the first matchday. The hosts Qatar destroyed Brunei as they smashed 13 goals against the South East Asian side. Whereas India also started strongly against Bahrain to open their account on the points table. The Blue Colts registered a 2-0 victory.

Jordan made a rollicking start in the AFC U23 Asian Cup qualifiers Group A. They trounced Bhutan 11-0. Jordan will face resistance from Turkmenistan in the race to top the group as the Central Asian side tried to match the tempo with a 5-1 win over Chinese Taipei.

In Group B, we witnessed some quiet results. Kuwait and Myanmar played out a goalless draw to share the spoils. In the other Group B fixture, Afghanistan lost to Japan with a respectable 3-0 score line.

Group C has produced close affairs. Yemen edged Singapore 2-1, whereas Vietnam beat Bangladesh in a 2-0 encounter. In Group D, the limelight was stolen by Australia. The young Socceroos defeat Northern Mariana Islands in a 14-0 massacre. China PR also collected three points but with a narrow 2-1 win against Timor-Leste.

West Asian sides rule the roost

West Asian sides have shown their class on the first matchday of the AFC U23 Asian Cup qualifiers. The likes of Iraq and the UAE made it a point to smash their opponents. Iraq bullied Pakistan in an 8-1 rout to stay on top of Group G. Whereas, in Group I, Guam faced the wrath of the UAE as they were humbled with a 13-0 scoreline.

The Asian powerhouse, South Korea, are also in fine form. They showed Macau why they are favourites to clinch the top spot in Group J. Philippines and Nepal were on the losing side in Group K with 2-1 and 4-0 defeats, respectively.

Matchday 1 results

Group A

Turkmenistan 5-1 Chinese Taipei
Jordan 11-0 Bhutan

Group B

Kuwait 0-0 Myanmar

Japan 3-0 Afghanistan

Group C

Yemen 2-1 Singapore
Vietnam 2-0 Bangladesh

Group D

Australia 14-0 Northern Mariana Islands
China PR 2-1 Timor-Leste

Group E

Uzbekistan 4-0 Sri Lanka
Palestine 1-2 Kyrgyz Republic

Group F

Malaysia 1-0 Lebanon
Thailand 6-0 Mongolia

Group G

Iraq 8-1 Pakistan
Cambodia 8-0 Oman

Group H

Bahrain 0-2 India
Qatar 13-0 Brunei Darussalam

Group I

IR Iran 4-0 Hong Kong, China
UAE 13-0 Guam

Group J

Korea Republic 5-1 Macau
Indonesia 0-0 Laos

Group K

Syria 2-1 Philippines
Tajikistan 4-0 Nepal

Who scored the goals for India against Bahrain U23?

Muhammed Suhail and Shivaldo Singh were the goal scorers for India in the match against Bahrain U23.

When will India play their next match in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers?

India will play Qatar in their next game on September 6.

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Navtej Vatsa

Navtej is all about narrating stories of human endeavour shaped by sporting excellence, from 22 yards to lush green pitches and buzzing arenas. With a background in broadcasting, he has a keen eye for compelling narratives that keep readers hooked. He primarily covers football and cricket, capturing the magic of two of the world’s most beloved sports.