India Advances to Knockout Stage in Asian Champions Trophy

India, 16 December 2025 — The Indian men's football team has successfully advanced to the knockout stage of the Asian Champions Trophy after securing a 2-1 victory against Lebanon on Thursday in Doha, Qatar. The match, held at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, saw India climb to the second spot in their group with a total of six points.
The game commenced with an early goal from India's Sunil Chhetri in the 14th minute, setting the tone for a competitive match. Lebanon equalized in the 38th minute with a strike from their forward, but India regained the lead through a decisive goal by Manvir Singh in the 67th minute.
This victory marks a significant achievement for the Indian team, who have shown considerable improvement under the guidance of head coach Igor Stimac. The team will now prepare for the upcoming knockout stages, hoping to further their success in the tournament.
The Asian Champions Trophy, an important fixture in the Asian football calendar, provides a platform for national teams to showcase their skills and gain international exposure. India's advancement to the knockout stage is a positive sign of the growing competitiveness of Indian football on the continental stage.
As the tournament progresses, the Indian team aims to maintain their momentum and capitalize on their current form to potentially secure a place in the final.