India’s hopes dashed as they bow out of Asian Games 2023 with a 2-0 loss to Saudi Arabia in the round of 16.
In a heart-wrenching match at the Huanglong Sports Center Stadium in Hangzhou, China, the Indian men’s football team bid farewell to the Asian Games 2023 after a hard-fought 2-0 loss to Saudi Arabia in the round of 16.
Mohammed Khalil Marran emerged as the hero for Saudi Arabia, netting both crucial goals in the 51st and 57th minutes of the game. Despite their brave efforts, India couldn’t find the back of the net, and their journey in the tournament came to an end.
In the FIFA rankings, India stands at 102nd place, while Saudi Arabia holds the 57th spot. However, it’s worth noting that the Asian Games men’s football tournaments are exclusively for players under 23, with a maximum of three overage players allowed on each team.
India’s path to the knockout stage included a 5-1 loss to China in their opener, followed by a 1-0 victory against Bangladesh and a 1-1 draw against Myanmar. Finishing second in Pool A, they secured a spot in the pre-quarterfinals.
Saudi Arabia, on the other hand, finished second in Pool B behind Iran, with two wins and a draw to their name.
In a game where Saudi Arabia dominated possession, India resorted to counterattacks. They created a couple of decent chances early on, with Sunil Chhetri’s shot and Sandesh Jhingan’s header testing the Saudi defense.
Saudi Arabia came close to breaking the deadlock when Musab Al-Juwayr’s shot hit the woodwork. The Indian defense held strong, with Sandesh Jhingan making crucial blocks.
The second half saw Saudi Arabia increase their pressure, eventually leading to Mohammed Khalil Marran heading in the opening goal. Minutes later, Marran struck again, doubling Saudi Arabia’s lead.
With this victory, Saudi Arabia advanced to the final eight, while India’s campaign in the Asian Games 2023 came to an end. It’s a bitter disappointment for Indian football fans, as the women’s team had also failed to progress beyond the group stage.
Although India has won the gold medal twice at the Asian Games in 1951 and 1962, the road to success has been challenging, with this year’s exit marking a significant setback. The last time India reached the round of 16 was in 2010 when they were defeated 5-0 by Japan.