AFC U-23 Asian Cup qualifiers: India loses to UAE 1-0

The Indian football team had a disappointing loss against UAE in the AFC U-23 Asian Cup qualifiers last night. Fujairah Stadium hosted the clash of India vs the hosts on 28th October 2021.

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Abdulla Idrees of UAE netted a penalty goal in the 82nd minute, which was enough to give his team all three points. His goal helped the team to secure the three points.

India's losing has escalated the race of the teams in Group E. All the four teams secured 3 points in 2 matches with a goal difference of 0. The qualifiers from Group E will be finalized on the final day.

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The Indian team still has a chance to finish at the top of their group and also qualify for the upcoming AFC U-23 Asian Cup 2022 by winning against Kyrgyzstan on October 30. Another criterion for India to finish at the top is a draw result of Uman and UAE.

And if any team in UAE vs Oman match wins then India will have to win the next match with a greater goal difference than UAE vs Oman. Somehow if India manages to secure the second position in Group E then their qualification will be dependent on the results of the other groups.