AFC Asian Cup 2027

NEW DELHI: India’s hopes of reaching the third round of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers for the first time in their history were extinguished on Tuesday night following a 2-1 defeat to Asian champions Qatar. The loss, despite India holding the lead for a significant portion of the match, also means that the team will not secure automatic qualification for the AFC Asian Cup 2027. The match itself highlighted both the potential and the shortcomings of the Indian side. Taking the lead against a formidable opponent like Qatar demonstrated attacking intent and tactical discipline. However, conceding a controversial equalizer and ultimately succumbing to a late winner exposed defensive vulnerabilities and a lack of concentration in crucial moments. In the aftermath of the defeat, newly appointed captain Gurpreet Singh Sandhu took to social media to address the disappointment and offer a message of hope for the future.“We had the belief, we had the chance to make amends even after everything. The boys gave everything on the pitch last night to make it happen but yet it didn’t. Yesterday’s unfortunate result and the incident of the equalizer is a lesson that where we want to go, you don’t just need the hook but the crook as well. No one will hand us anything, we have to take it,” He wrote in the post on Instagram. The Indian skipper also expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of the fans, adding, “For all the people who supported us throughout this campaign even with lows and the highs, thank you, we hear you and we will make you proud.”While this defeat marks a significant setback, the team and its management are looking to investigate the factors that contributed to this loss and develop a comprehensive strategy to address them. The road ahead for Indian football remains challenging, but the journey towards consistent success requires perseverance, strategic planning, and a commitment to excellence at all levels. (Inputs from IANS)