Picture : AIFF /X
India marked their debut appearance in the CAFA Nations Cup with a third-place finish, defeating higher-ranked Oman 3-2 on penalties for their first-ever victory against the West Asian side in Hisor, Tajikistan .
The match went into shootout after the proceedings ended 1-1 post extra-time at the Hisor Central Stadium.
After Udanta Singh Kumam’s 80th-minute goal cancelled out Jameel Al Yahmadi’s 55th-minute opener, the 30 minutes of extra-time did not yield any result. Oman defender Ali Al Busaidi was sent off in the 96th minute.
Lallianzuala Chhangte, Rahul Bheke, and Jithin M S scored for India in the penalties, while Anwar Ali’s spot-kick was saved and Udanta missed.
Meanwhile, Thani Al Rushaidi, Muhsen Al Ghassani were the only two players to score their spot kicks for Oman.
Harib Al Saadi and Ahmed Al Kaabi missed theirs, and India Skipper jGurpreet Singh Sandhu, in dramatic fashion, produced a save off the last kick of the game from Jameel Al Yahmadiand help his wide win Bronze medal.
India 1 (3) (Udanta Singh Kumam 80’)
won on penalties against
Oman 1 (2) (Jameel Al Yahmadi 55’)
