Top five moments from India's campaign in CAFA Nations Cup 2025 & AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers

The Blue Tigers had a remarkable international break!

The Indian Football fans relished the last few days as both the senior men’s team and the U23 team punched above their weight in the CAFA Nations Cup 2025 and the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers, respectively. The senior team finished in third place with a bronze medal in their first-ever CAFA Nations Cup appearance, whereas the U23 side came historically close to qualifying for the AFC U23 Asian Cup.

These two campaigns have marked a small yet significant shift in Indian Football. After almost a year of disappointing results and off-the-pitch clamor, these results have brought positivity in the landscape of Indian Football. In this article, we will reminisce top five moments from the recently concluded CAFA Nations Cup and AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers.

Gurpreet stands tall

The most defining moment from India’s CAFA Nations Cup 2025 campaign was Gurpreet Singh Sandhu‘s mind-boggling save in the penalties to deny Oman a win. In the third-place match, it all came down to the penalties as both teams failed to break the deadlock after ninety minutes of regulation time and thirty minutes of extra time.

After a rollercoaster of a penalty kicks, the match stood at 3-2 in India’s favour with one kick from Oman remaining. To win, Gurpreet had to save the last attempt from Oman. India’s ‘No.1’ lived up to the expectations and put a diving save to his right to bring the tournament to a glorious close for India. The captain exhibited his composure and showed why he is still India’s uncontested ‘No.1’.

Also Read: Three positives and two negatives from India’s CAFA Nations Cup 2025 campaign

Suhail’s opening goal against Bahrain

India’s journey in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers started on a victorious note against Bahrain. A major role in that historic win was played by India’s supremely talented Muhammed Suhail. The menacing right-winger set the tone for India in the qualifiers with an incredible goal against Bahrain.

It was blazing his run on the right wing that kicked off the threat. Suhail continued his run, pushing the defenders deep, before tricking them with his nimble footwork. His movement was sharp and could not be anticipated by the Bahraini defender, as he was left stunned by Suhail, who converted the chance with immaculate poise to give India the lead.

Anwar kicks off Khalid era

There were plenty of apprehensions before India started their campaign in the CAFA Nations Cup 2025. A new coach was taking over, and his first assignment was an arduous one after just ten days of preparation. The fans were anxious before the tournament opener against Tajikistan, but all the nervous energy dissipated when Anwar headed the Blue Tigers to an all-important lead in the fourth minute.

The chance was created initially by Muhammed Uvais, who took a long throw-in that ended up straight into the box, creating chaos in Oman’s defense. A rebound off an Omani player was latched onto by Anwar to head it to perfection. This quick goal helped settle into the match and eventually the tournament.

Suhail’s leaping header against Qatar

After a phenomenal performance against Bahrain, all eyes were on Muhammed Suhail in the marquee clash of Group H against Qatar. The Indian team conceded early against the hosts after going toe-to-toe in the first few minutes. However, the Blue Colts did not back down and kept pushing for an equalizer.

India got their opening in the 51st minute when a strong challenge in the midfield gave India possession. The moment Suhail had the ball, he made a darting run on the right wing before crossing it. His cross fell to Mohammad Sanan on the other wing, who deceived his marker to return the favour with another looping cross, which was ultimately headed by Suhail, who took a giant leap to head the ball.

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

It was a show of resilience and class, which made the comeback possible. Suhail was again at the forefront of it, showcasing his skills.

Aimen’s majestic double strike

One of the most dazzling moments in the historic run in the qualifiers was the double strike from Aimen in the last fixture against Brunei. India desperately required goals in huge numbers in that last game if they had to improve their goal difference. A superior goal difference was required to keep India’s qualification hopes alive.

Mohammed Aimen scores the last goal of the night as India claim a 6-0 win over Brunei in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers!India U23 6-0 Bahrain U23#IndianFootball #indianu23footballteam #AFCU23Qualifier pic.twitter.com/DGvixe5AZh

— Khel Now (@KhelNow) September 9, 2025

By the 86th minute, India had a comfortable 4-0 lead, but it was not enough to boost the Blue Tigers’ qualification hopes. Aimen took the responsibility on his shoulders to extend India’s lead. He scored his first goal by cutting inside from the left wing after a blazing run to shoot a thunderbolt from his right foot that ended up in the top left corner, giving the goalkeeper no chance to make a save.

This piece of brilliance was similarly replicated by Kerala Blasters’ youngster in the 88th minute, but this time his curling shot ended up in the top-right corner. With this goal, India completed their dominant victory over Brunei with a 6-0 score line.

Mohammed Aimen makes a stunning strike into the top corner from 20 yards to extend India's lead to five goals! India U23 5-0 Brunei U23 #IndianFootball #indianu23footballteam #AFCU23Qualifiers pic.twitter.com/KyOPVbDBPj

— Khel Now (@KhelNow) September 9, 2025

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