India Secures Victory in AFC U-23 Asian Cup Qualifiers

India, 21 December 2025 — The Indian U-23 football team clinched a crucial win against the United Arab Emirates in the AFC U-23 Asian Cup Qualifiers. The match, held at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, saw India triumph with a 3-1 scoreline, marking a significant step towards qualification for the tournament. Captain Amarjit Singh Kiyam led the team with a stellar performance, scoring one of the goals, while Rahim Ali and Aniket Jadhav added to the tally.

The victory places India in a strong position within their group, enhancing their prospects of advancing to the main tournament next year. This win is particularly significant given the competitive nature of the qualifiers, which feature numerous strong teams from across Asia.

The Indian team's performance has been praised for its strategic play and cohesive teamwork, with coach Igor Štimac highlighting the importance of maintaining momentum in the upcoming matches. The next fixture against Oman is set to be another challenging encounter for the young Indian squad.

The AFC U-23 Asian Cup serves as a critical platform for young talents to showcase their skills on an international stage, and India's progress in the qualifiers is seen as a positive sign for the future of Indian football.

The ongoing qualifiers continue to draw attention from fans and analysts alike, with India's next match scheduled for later this week.