AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup: India’s Winless Journey Culminates in a Heavy 1-6 Loss to Lebanon

Synopsis

India concluded their AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup Thailand 2025 campaign with a disappointing 1-6 defeat to Lebanon. Despite a spirited effort, India finished without a victory in the group stage. Lebanon's strong performance highlighted their experience in beach soccer.

Key Takeaways

India finished the tournament winless.
Lebanon showcased their superior beach soccer experience.
Amit Godara was India's lone scorer.
Lebanon scored six goals in total against India.
India's last Asian beach soccer appearance was 18 years ago.

Pattaya, March 24 (NationPress) India concluded their journey in the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup Thailand 2025 with a disappointing 1-6 loss against Lebanon in their final Group A match at the Jomtien Beach Arena in Pattaya on Monday.

This marked India’s third defeat in the four-team group, having previously fallen to hosts Thailand and Kuwait. In contrast, Lebanon celebrated their second victory, finishing the group stage with six points.

Lebanon’s scoring was highlighted by contributions from Mohammad Al Saleh (9' penalty), Mohamad Haidar (10'), Ahmad El Khatib (22'), Mohamad Ossman (23'), Mohamed Choker (32'), and Mohamad Merhi (34'). The sole goal for India came from Amit Godara in the 18th minute.

Historically, Lebanon has a more established presence in beach soccer, being regular contenders in continental tournaments and achieving fourth place in the Asian championship twice. In comparison, India is a more recent participant, with their last appearance in the Asian meet occurring 18 years ago.

Lebanon quickly took the lead, scoring within nine minutes as India showed promising determination in their attempts to penetrate the defense. After Mohamad Al Saleh converted a penalty to give Lebanon a 1-0 advantage, Indian captain Rohith Yesudas nearly leveled the score, hitting the crossbar with his shot.

Shortly thereafter, Lebanon extended their lead to 2-0, with Mohamad Haidar skillfully finishing a left-side cross.

India showcased their best play in the second half. In the 18th minute, Amit Godara caught the Lebanon defense off guard, converting a corner kick delivered by Satish Subhash.

However, containing Lebanon proved challenging. The team had scored nine goals in their previous two matches and relentlessly sought to enhance their goal difference. Ahmad El Khatib executed a stunning bicycle kick to score the third goal in the 23rd minute, followed by Mohamad Ossman extending their lead just a minute later.

The Lebanese side added two more goals in the final period through Mohamed Choker and Mohamad Merhi, sealing a decisive victory. India had a chance to narrow the deficit, but Amit Godara missed an open net, failing to keep the ball on target.