The Indian football team lost 1-0 to UAE in their second match of the AFC U-23 Asian Cup qualifiers at the Fujairah Stadium on Wednesday.
Abdulla Idrees scored a penalty for the hosts in the 82nd minute, which was enough to give his team all three points. With only the group winners and the four best second-placed teams making the AFC U-23 Asian Cup 2022, the qualifiers from Group E will be decided on the final match day. India can still finish top of their group and qualify for the AFC U-23 Asian Cup 2022 if they win against Kyrgyzstan on October 30. However, they will also need UAE and Oman to draw their match.
Indian had won their previous match against Oman but could not carry forward the momentum against UAE. As the game progressed, the Indian football team found their footing and improved their offence as well.India came close to scoring in the 25th minute but fell short as Vikram Partap’s shot was deflected away from the goal. Both teams had their chances but could not find the finisher as the first half ended without any goals. In the second half, the Emiratis regained control of the possession and asked questions of the Indian defence.The UAE missed two big chances at the hour mark. The first due to a mix up in the box and minutes later, Dheeraj Singh was there to rescue India again.But the deadlock was finally broken by UAE in the 82nd minute.
The hosts were awarded a penalty after Suresh Singh brought down Ali Saleh inside the box. Abdulla Idrees slotted the spot kick home, which eventually proved to be the winner. Abdulla Idrees scored a penalty to help UAE to a 1-0 win over India.
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