Indian men’s football team defeated Kuwait thanks to a stunning strike from Manvir Singh in their second round of FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium in Kuwait City on Thursday as the Blue Toger begin their quest for qualification to the 2026 edition.
India came into the game without a regulation-time win in the last six matches they’d played, although there were some impressive performances, notably against Iraq in the King’s Cup and Kuwait themselves in the SAFF Championship final.
Both of India’s games against Kuwait at the SAFF Championship ended 1-1, and the first-half showed why again, as the two sides were so evenly matched and canceled each other out.
The second half began in much the same way as a large part of the first went, until Stimac played his trump card. Mahesh was replaced by Chhangte, and there was an immediate spark, as India clicked into gear as an attacking unit.
The defining moment came when Akash Mishra played Chhangte through on the left, he went to the by-line and played a perfect cut-back for Manvir to finish off first-time with his left foot.
India next face Qatar in Bhubaneswar on November 21.
