India Secures Thrilling Victory in AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers

India, 7 January 2026 — The Indian national football team claimed a crucial 2-1 victory against Lebanon in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers on Friday evening in Kolkata. The match was held at the Salt Lake Stadium, where thousands of fans gathered to support the home team.

India's Sunil Chhetri opened the scoring in the 35th minute, giving the team an early lead. The Lebanese side equalized shortly after halftime, but a late goal by Anirudh Thapa in the 82nd minute secured the win for India.

This victory strengthens India's position in Group A, boosting their chances of qualifying for the AFC Asian Cup 2027. The team has shown consistent performances in recent matches, contributing to their improved FIFA rankings.

Coach Igor Štimac praised the players for their resilience and adaptability on the field. He emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum as India prepares for upcoming matches in the qualification series.

The next match for India in the qualifiers is scheduled for January 15, 2026, against the Maldives. The team is expected to continue its rigorous training regimen to ensure peak performance.