India Clinch Third Place In Gritty Penalty Shootout Win Over Oman News24 –
In a thrilling, emotionally charged encounter at the Hisor Central Stadium, India marked their debut in the CAFA Nations Cup with a hard-fought third-place finish, edging past higher-ranked Oman 3-2 in a dramatic penalty shootout after the match ended 1-1 following extra time.
It was a night of resilience, redemption, and nerves of steel as the Blue Tigers overcame a deficit, extra-time pressure, and the dreaded penalty roulette to clinch the bronze medal – a significant statement in their first appearance at the Central Asian tournament.
Tale of Two Halves
Oman, entering the match as favourites, began conservatively, soaking up early Indian pressure. India, meanwhile, were fearless from the get-go. Counter-attacks through Vikram Partap Singh and Lallianzuala Chhangte kept the Omani defence honest, with the first big chance coming in the 16th minute. A trademark long throw by Muhammed Uvais was nodded on by Nikhil Prabhu into the path of Anwar Ali, whose header drew a sharp save from Ibrahim Al Mukhaini.
But as the first half wore on, Oman began asserting their presence. Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, India’s reliable last line, was called into action in the 25th minute, diving low to deny Issam Al Sabhi’s shot from distance. Moments later, Nasser Al Rawahi found himself one-on-one with Sandhu, only to drag his effort wide – a let-off for India.
India had their best chance to take the lead just before half-time when Chhangte squared for Irfan Yadwad, but the striker couldn’t convert, his misfired attempt trickling wide.
Drama After the Break
The breakthrough came early in the second half for Oman. In the 55th minute, a clever flick inside the box by Abdullah Fawaz found Jameel Al Yahmadi unmarked at the far post, and he made no mistake tapping it past Sandhu.
However, India were far from done.
Head coach Khalid Jamil made a bold double substitution in the 78th minute, bringing on Suresh Singh Wangjam and Udanta Singh. Just two minutes later, the move paid off. A long throw from Rahul Bheke was glanced on by Danish Farooq to the far post, where Udanta ghosted in to head the ball into the net. There was a lengthy VAR check, but the goal stood, sparking Indian celebrations.
The momentum shifted firmly in India’s favour after Oman were reduced to 10 men in the 96th minute, with defender Ali Al Busaidi receiving a red card for a late challenge.
Despite the man advantage and a few half-chances – including a teasing through ball from Udanta to Manvir Singh (Jr) – India couldn’t find the winner in extra time. The match, fittingly, headed to penalties.
Penalty Heart-Stoppers
With tension running high, India surged to a 2-0 lead in the shootout after Oman’s Harib Al Saadi and Ahmed Al Kaabi both missed their spot-kicks. Lallianzuala Chhangte and Rahul Bheke were clinical for India, followed by a confident strike from Jithin MS.
But the drama was far from over.
Oman goalkeeper Al Mukhaini denied Anwar Ali, and Udanta failed to convert his kick, allowing Oman a way back. Thani Al Rushaidi and Muhsen Al Ghassani scored to keep the pressure on.
Enter Gurpreet Singh Sandhu.
With Oman’s final kick, it was up to Jameel Al Yahmadi – the man who opened the scoring to keep his team alive. But Sandhu, showing why he wears the captain’s armband, guessed right and pulled off a magnificent diving save, sealing a historic win for India.
A Statement of Intent
India’s third-place finish, sealed against a physically superior and higher-ranked Oman side, is more than just a bronze medal. It’s a testament to the belief, resilience, and depth in the squad under the guidance of Khalid Jamil – the first Indian head coach to guide the senior team at a major international tournament in recent years.
Players like Udanta Singh, Lallianzuala Chhangte, and Rahul Bheke stepped up in key moments, while Gurpreet once again proved his mettle in high-pressure scenarios. It wasn’t always pretty, but it was gritty, passionate, and distinctly Indian football – marked by determination, heart, and a refusal to give in.
As India return from Tajikistan with a podium finish in their CAFA Nations Cup debut, they also return with valuable experience and a growing sense of belonging among Asia’s competitive mid-tier nations. The journey is far from over, but this bronze glimmers like gold in what could be a transformative year for Indian football.