Gurpreet Singh Sandhu speaks out on controversial decision against India U23 in AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifers

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu himself has been in a similar situation against Qatar.

Senior Indian football team Goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu has taken to Instagram against the controversial refereeing decisions that occurred at India’s AFC U-23 Asian Cup Qualifier against Qatar U23 team on Saturday.

Taking to Instagram, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu praised the young Indian side for their effort while also voicing his frustration at the decisions that went against the Blue Colts.

Senior football team custodian Gupreet Singh Sandhu takes to Instagram to speak up on controversial referee decisions against India on different occasions! Gurpreet himself has been on the receiving end of such a situation last time the Blue Tigers played Qatar at the same… pic.twitter.com/fKEysteBJr

— Khel Now (@KhelNow) September 7, 2025

What happened at the India U23 vs Qatar U23 clash?

India entered the match as underdogs but showed impressive fight against the hosts. After conceding an early goal, the side clawed back into the contest with a brilliant header from Muhammed Suhail in the 52nd minute. At 1–1, the momentum was with India, and belief surged that the Blue could pull off a victory.

That belief was shattered midway into the second half. Bearing a yellow card, Pramveer Singh was given a red card as he was believed to have fouled Qatar’s Noureldin Ibrahim inside the penalty area.

The referee pointed to the spot and presented Pramveer with a second booking, resulting in a red card, sending India down to 10 men.

Composedly, Qatar captain Jassem Al Sharshani converted the penalty, putting his team back in front. With one player down, India could find no way back. Thus, the scoreline remained 2–1, but the talking point was not so much Qatar’s victory as it was the refereeing decisions.

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu has been at the receiving end of the same

The last time when the Blue Tigers faced Qatar in Doha, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu was in a similar situation. It was in the 73rd minute that India was leading 1-0. Gurpreet made a crucial save on Aymen of Qatar. The rebound rolled nicely and clearly crossed over the byline. Indian defenders eased briefly, expecting either a goalkick or a corner.

Instead, the play was allowed to continue. Hashmi managed to hook the ball back into the field of play, and Aymen finished it into the net. Despite numerous protests from Gurpreet and his team members, the referee awarded the goal.

What’s next for the Blue Colts?

India’s U-23 football team will now turn its focus to the game against Brunei in the AFC U-23 Asian Cup qualifiers, with the match now carrying more weight after the controversial 2–1 defeat to Qatar.

The Blue Colts need a convincing win to stay in contention for qualification, and the clash offers a chance to bounce back quickly from the heartbreak against Qatar. For coach Naushad Moosa, it is a must-win fixture to keep the qualification hopes alive

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