Against qatar

AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers: After beginning their AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers campaign with a solid 2-0 win over Bahrain, the Indian men’s U23 team will now face hosts Qatar in their second Group H match on Saturday, at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium.

The Blue Colts are aiming to create history by qualifying for the AFC U23 Asian Cup for the first time. With the group winners assured of a direct ticket to Saudi Arabia 2026 and only four best second-placed sides across all 11 groups joining them, Thursday’s clash against Qatar could prove pivotal in shaping India’s qualification hopes.

"It’s always a good thing to start with a win and get those three points,” said Moosa after the win over Bahrain. “That win gave us a lot of hope and belief that if we do well against Qatar, we’ll have the chance to qualify. It’s very important we go forward with a winning mentality.”