Team Qatar Edge Bahrain 2-1 in Dramatic Finish to Seal U-23 Asian Cup Spot

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September 10, 2025
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10-September-2025

Team Qatar Edge Bahrain 2-1 in Dramatic Finish to Seal U-23 Asian Cup Spot

DOHA  – Team Qatar produced a stunning late comeback to defeat Bahrain 2-1 and secure their place in the AFC U-23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026 after a pulsating Group H clash at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium in Doha on Tuesday .

The victory lifted Qatar to the top of the group with a perfect record of nine points from three matches, ahead of India, who finished second with six points following a commanding 6-0 win over Brunei Darussalam earlier in the day.

Bahrain made Qatar work hard for qualification, taking the lead in the 71st minute through Abdulrahman Sami Al Khayyat. With their campaign hanging in the balance, Qatar pressed forward relentlessly and were rewarded in stoppage time when Al Hashmi Al Hussain struck the equalizer in the 91st minute.

The drama escalated when Qatar were reduced to ten men after Ayoub Mohamed Al Ouwi was sent off in the 95th minute. But the setback only fueled their determination, and in the ninth minute of added time, Jassem Al Sharshani coolly converted a penalty to seal a memorable win and spark jubilant celebrations.

Earlier, India had kept their qualification hopes alive with a dominant display against Brunei. Vibin Mohanan stole the spotlight with a first-half brace before completing his hat-trick with a superb free-kick in the second half. Goals from Ayush Chhetri, Mohammed Aimen (two), and relentless attacking play highlighted India’s one-sided victory.

Despite the emphatic scoreline, India’s hopes ended in heartbreak. Their six-point tally placed them fifth among the second-placed teams across the 11 groups, just outside the qualifying spots.

For Qatar, however, the night belonged to resilience and belief. A late rally under pressure secured their sixth appearance at the U-23 Asian Cup finals, keeping alive their dreams of regional glory.