India fails to qualify for the AFC U20 Asian Cup despite defeating Kuwait 2-1

Captain Taison Singh and Gurkirat Singh scored a goal each in both the halves to help India beat Kuwait 2-1 in their last qualification match. But they could not qualify for next year's AFC U20 Asian Cup. India finished third in Group H ahead of Kuwait. Australia topped and Iraq came second. The third-place finish in Group H was not good enough to qualify for the next year's AFC U20 Asian Cup.

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The top 10 teams in the group and the five best runner-up teams have been placed in the tournament. Uzbekistan has got direct entry as hosts. India was defeated 4-2 by Iraq and 4-1 by Australia. The AFC U20 Asian Cup will start from 1 to 18 March 2023.

In the match against Kuwait, Taison Singh and Gurkirat scored for India and Saleh Almehtab pulled one back for Kuwait. India started off aggressively and attacked Kuwait's goal in the very first minute. Himanshu Jangra's shot, however, hit the crossbar.

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Taison gave India the lead in the eighth minute. Kuwait quickly retaliated, but Indian defenders kept it tied. India had a one-goal lead till the break. After an hour passed, Bipin handed Gurkirat a brilliant cross, but his header was stopped. With 20 minutes left in the hooter, Kuwait captain Almehtab scored the equalizer. However, Kuwait's happiness lasted only for three minutes and Gurkirat scored a goal to give India victory.