AFC Beach Soccer: India Falls to Kuwait 2-4
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Kuwait secured a critical 4-2 victory over India in the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup Thailand 2025, keeping their knockout stage hopes alive. Despite a spirited performance from India, late goals from Mohamed Hajeyah ensured the win for Kuwait.
Key Takeaways
- Kuwait's victory reignites knockout stage hopes.
- India displayed commendable performance despite loss.
- Mohamed Hajeyah scored two late goals for Kuwait.
- India eliminated from the tournament after 18 years.
- Upcoming matches include Kuwait vs Thailand and India vs Lebanon.
Pattaya, March 22 (NationPress) Kuwait revived their aspirations for the knockout stage by overcoming India 4-2 in their AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup Thailand 2025 Group A match on Saturday.
Two late goals from Mohamed Hajeyah secured the victory for Kuwait after India displayed a commendable performance at the Jomtien Beach Arena.
India almost took an early lead within the first minute when Satish Subhash was unmarked following a corner kick, but his attempt was saved by Kuwait's goalkeeper Mohammad Alshaer.
After a balanced first half, Kuwait struck first in the 10th minute with a fortunate goal; Hajeyah's free-kick from within his own half slipped through the hands of Indian goalkeeper Pratik Francisco.
However, India quickly responded, equalizing in the same minute as Satish capitalized on a blocked shot from Rohith Yesudas, guiding a header into the net.
Inspired by their equalizer, India created opportunities to take the lead early in the second half, but Omar Alfailakawi made impressive saves to thwart Muhseer Badavathumad.
In a twist, Kuwait regained the lead in the 20th minute when Faisal Almanaye assisted Wayel Alshammari, who scored with a simple header past Pratik.
The game was tightly contested, with Omar Alrouqi hitting the post before India equalized again through Rohith, who finished off a pass from Satish.
Nevertheless, Kuwait sealed their victory with two stunning overhead kicks from Hajeyah in the last two minutes of the encounter.
The Indian national team has been eliminated from the tournament on their first appearance in 18 years, following a 0-3 loss to the hosts, Thailand, in their opening Group A match on Thursday. In the concluding group matches on Monday, Kuwait will face Thailand while India will take on Lebanon.
