Football News: India U-23 lose 0-1 to Qatar in preparatory match

The India U-23 team suffered a narrow 0-1 defeat to Qatar U-23 in their first match under the tutelage of new coach Derek Perreira at the Aspire Academy ground 5 in Doha. Three of the starting XI players were from the Indian Arrows setup, while the likes of Dheeraj Singh, Anwar Ali, Rahul KP, and Komal Thatal were a part of the India U-17 World Cup squad two years back. India got off the blocks early, with Mehtab Singh, Komal Thatal and Rahul KP coming close in the early exchanges. However, it was Narender Gahlot, who had the best chance in the first half for India, as he jumped higher than the rest to send a powerful header towards the goal. However, it was saved by Qatar keeper. Despite the chances created by Pereira’s boys, it was Qatar, who got the breakthrough close to the half time break. While large parts of the second half was played with both the teams trying to breach each other’s defences, Derrick Pereira made a number of changes. Rahim Ali, perhaps, had the best chance of the match, when he found himself in front of an open goal, just 12 yards away from his target. However, he scuffed his shot, as it flew over the bar in injury time.