India scripted history in Dushanbe on Thursday, defeating Oman 3-2 on penalties after a tense 1-1 draw over 120 minutes to secure third place in the CAFA Nations Cup. A result that underlined their grit and a growing belief under new head coach Khalid jamil.
The contest began with Oman seeing more of the ball, but India created the clearer chances in the first half. In the 16th minute, Khalid Jamil’s strategy of exploiting long throws nearly paid off. Mohammed Uvais launched one deep into the Omani box, Nikhil Prabhu flicked it on, and Anwar Ali’s effort was heading goalwards before Ibrahim Saleh pulled off a superb save. On the stroke of half-time, India squandered two golden chances — first when Irfan Yadwad sliced a cutback wide with the goalkeeper wrong-footed, and then, when he failed to convert a simple tap-in.
India’s wastefulness proved costly. Just after the restart, Oman coach Carlos Queiroz made four substitutions that immediately tilted the game. The Indian defence hesitated while clearing their lines, allowing Al Kaabi to burst through the left and square for Al Yahmadi, who smashed home a precise first-time finish to put Oman ahead.
With the Reds dictating the tempo, India looked to be fading. But in the 81st minute, substitute Udanta Singh dragged them level. A long throw from Rahul Bheke was flicked on by Danish Farooq, and Udanta reacted sharply to drill the ball into the net. It was the first time India had equalised in this tournament, and it reflected the team’s resilience.
The game headed into extra time, where the momentum briefly swung India’s way after Ali Al Busaidi was sent off in the 97th minute. However, despite enjoying the numerical advantage, India struggled to keep possession and failed to make the breakthrough. With the score locked at 1-1 after 120 minutes, the tie went to penalties.
In the shootout, Lallianzuala Chhangte and Rahul Bheke gave India a strong start as Oman missed their opening two attempts. Anwar Ali’s effort was saved, allowing Oman back into the contest, and after both sides traded blows, including Udanta missing the chance to seal it, the responsibility fell on Gurpreet Singh Sandhu. The veteran goalkeeper pulled off a decisive stop to deny Oman’s final kick, sparking jubilant celebrations as India triumphed 3-2.
The result was important for Indian football. In ten previous encounters, Oman had won seven times while three had ended in draws. This win not only broke that sequence but also provided a timely boost as India resume their AFC Asian Cup qualifiers on October 9 against Singapore.
More importantly, the tournament itself offered valuable exposure. India played four matches — three against higher-ranked sides — and showed glimpses of progress under Jamil. This victory was less about silverware and more about character. For a team in transition, this was the kind of night that can sow belief in the months to come.
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