India beats Oman on penalties to claim CAFA Nations Cup bronze

India defeated Oman 3-2 on penalties to win bronze at their CAFA Nations Cup debut. Udanta Singh, Rahul Bheke, and Gurpreet Sandhu played key roles in the victory

Hyderabad: India marked their debut appearance in the CAFA Nations Cup with a third-place finish, defeating higher-ranked Oman 3-2 on penalties after the match ended 1-1 post extra time at the Hisor Central Stadium in Hisor, Tajikistan, on Monday.

Udanta Singh Kumam’s 80th-minute goal cancelled out Jameel Al Yahmadi’s 55th-minute opener, sending the contest to a penalty shootout, as 30 minutes of extra time did not yield any result. Oman defender Ali Al Busaidi was sent off in the 96th minute.

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Lallianzuala Chhangte, Rahul Bheke, and Jithin MS scored for India in the penalties, while Anwar Ali’s spot-kick was saved and Udanta missed. For Oman, Thani Al Rushaidi and Muhsen Al Ghassani were the only players to convert, while Harib Al Saadi and Ahmed Al Kaabi missed. Gurpreet Singh Sandhu produced a dramatic save off Jameel Al Yahmadi’s final kick to secure the bronze medal.

The Blue Tigers’ first notable chance came in the 16th minute when Muhammed Uvais’s long throw was headed on towards Anwar by Nikhil Prabhu. The defender’s powerful header was saved by Oman goalkeeper Ibrahim Al Mukhaini.

Oman grew into the game, testing Sandhu in the 25th minute with Issam Al Sabhi’s shot from outside the box, which the Indian goalkeeper palmed away. Minutes later, Nasser Al Rawahi was slipped through India’s defensive lines, but his angular shot rolled wide.

India had a good chance just before half-time when Chhangte found Irfan Yadwad with a low cut-back, but the latter scuffed his shot wide.

An even contest followed after the equaliser. Blue Tigers head coach Khalid Jamil introduced Udanta and Suresh Singh Wangjam with a little over 10 minutes remaining, and the substitutions had an immediate impact. Rahul Bheke’s 80th-minute long throw was flicked by Danish Farooq’s head to Udanta, who instinctively headed it into the net. The goal was confirmed after a video assistant referee check.

In injury time, Udanta set up substitute Manvir Singh (jr), but Oman’s defence held firm as the match went into extra time.

After Al Busaidi was sent off early in extra time, India gained a man advantage but few chances came, leading to a penalty shootout. India surged to a 2-0 lead after Al Saadi and Al Kaabi missed, but Oman stayed in contention after Al Mukhaini saved Anwar’s kick and Udanta missed. Sandhu’s decisive diving save off Al Yahmadi’s effort secured India’s bronze medal at the CAFA Nations Cup 2025.