India stun Oman on penalties to finish third at CAFA Nations Cup

The record books will show that India does not have a win to show against Oman in over three decades, yet it will remain etched that Khalid Jamil’s side finished third on debut at the CAFA Nations Cup, despite being among the lower-ranked among the eight teams.A win against hosts Tajikistan in the opener and a triumph on penalties – recorded as a draw for official records – against Oman to end the campaign with a bronze is just what Jamil probably wanted in his debut assignment as national team coach.In the tiebreaker, Harib Al-Saadi and Ahmed Al-Kaabi sent their first two efforts wide for Oman, while Lallianzuala Chhangte and Rahul Bheke converted their tries to give India a massive advantage.

Anwar Ali’s attempt was then saved and Udanta shot wide. Boosted by MS Jithin’s calm finish, goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu saved the decisive penalty from Jameel Al-Yahmadi to give his team a famous 3-2 (1-1) win.The teams were locked 1-1 at the end of regulation time with Udanta Singh (80th) scoring late to cancel Jameel Al-Yahmadi's second-half strike at the Hisor Central Stadium in Tajikistan on Monday.Oman captain Ali Al-Busaidi was sent off in the sixth minute of extra-time and India had a relatively easier time on the field with a numerical advantage for the remaining 23 minutes.

The deadlock remained.Playing his first international tournament in 2025, captain Sandhu was the hero, not just in the tiebreaker but all through the 120 minutes. He was commanding in goal and kept the defenders alert. Only beaten by a strong Al-Yahmadi deflection from inside the box, it was poetic that the goalkeeper brilliantly saved his fifth and final penalty.Oman (79) are ranked 54 places higher than India, who only had Turkmenistan and Afghanistan below them.

Coached by Carlos Queiroz, they are still in contention for a place at next year’s FIFA World Cup and drew against World Cuppers Uzbekistan earlier in the group stage.India’s only goal came in the 80th minute. Bheke’s long throw was flicked towards the far post by Danish Farooq, and Udanta rushed in to produce an instinctive header that sailed into the net. There was a relatively long wait after the goal as the video assistant referee checked for infringements in the box, but the goal was finally allowed.Until Udanta’s equaliser, India were poor upfront. The passing was wayward, shooting erratic, and the decision-making left a lot to be desired. It was the defensive approach with Bheke and Anwar at the back that kept India in the game, where Oman enjoyed 69% of ball possession.In the tiebreaker, both goalscorers -- Al Yahmadi and Udanta -- missed penalties, but India did have the last laugh.