India U-23 score two past Bahrain in opener | Goa News
India U-23 started their Asian qualification campaign on an impressive note as they swept aside the challenge of Bahrain 2-0 in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers at the Suheim bin Hamad Stadium in Doha on Wednesday.Muhammed Suhail gave India the lead in the first half and substitute Shivaldo Singh scored in the fifth minute of stoppage time to ensure a winning start for Naushad Moosa’s side.The teams were evenly matched in the first quarter but India had a lucky escape, when Bahrain’s Mahmood Abdulla closed down on India goalkeeper Sahil and managed to steal the ball inside the penalty area. However, with an open goal, he ended up hitting the side-netting.India responded with the opening goal in the 31st minute through Suhail. The winger scored with an incredible solo strike as he controlled a long ball from Macarton Louis Nickson, turned his marker inside out in the box and then found the bottom corner with his left foot.While Bahrain had an edge in possession in the second half, they failed to find the equaliser, managing only three shots at target. India also went close but lacked the finishing touch, until Shivaldo calmed nerves. The substitute latched on to a M Sreekuttan cross with his outstretched foot to confirm all three points.India face Qatar in the next match on Saturday.
