Group India kicked off their second-round marketing campaign within the FIFA World Cup 2026 AFC Qualifiers with a 1-0 win towards Kuwait, their first towards the Center East nation this 12 months, following Manvir Singh’s sole purpose within the second half on the Jaber Al-Ahmad Worldwide Stadium in Kuwait Metropolis on Thursday, November 16. Kuwait did not let the Blue Tigers off the hook simply, particularly within the first half, preserving the possession for the longest time, however some optimistic glimpses have been from the Indian group which finally led to a Seventy fifth-minute winner from Manvir, who transformed a half-volley from Lallianzuala Chhangte’s cross.
Kuwait saved the possession however relentless stress from the Indians, particularly defender Sandesh Jhinghan confirmed within the physique language of the house group. A few probabilities have been missed within the first half by the Indian group, first within the 18th minute by Sahal Abdul Samad, who was closed out within the field earlier than Akash Mishra did not convert a capturing alternative within the twenty seventh minute via a freekick help.
Kuwait too missed a scoring alternative on the finish of the primary half and started the second in an ideal method earlier than India took management. Kuwait saved on placing stress on the Indian group however lacked the killer blow, which finally got here from the Males wearing Orange within the Seventy fifth minute. There was one other try within the 71st minute from the Blues, but it surely wasn’t to be because it went off-target.
Kuwait performed some attacking however determined soccer in the previous couple of minutes however India ensured they did not concede a single purpose and achieved a primary win towards Kuwait in 2023, after a 5-4 win on penalties following a 1-1 draw within the SAFF Championship earlier in July.
India subsequent face Qatar within the second Group A match on Tuesday, November 21 at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar. India additionally should play Afghanistan, the fourth group of their group. The highest two groups will qualify for the third spherical whereas sealing the spot within the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.
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