India’s drought continues as they concede at the dying moments against Oman

5th August, Guwahati: India’s ship sunk to Oman’s strike at the dying stages. The Indian team lost 1-2 at the fag end of the match. History repeated itself, as the same happened when India faced Oman in 2015 for the Russia 2018 World Cup Qualifiers. The team lost 1-2 in Bengaluru. The only goal came from Sunil Chhetri’s left-footed attempt that day.
Ironically, the captain, leader, legend scored today as well but failed to lead his side to victory, yet again. India started the match well. They were the dominant side in the opening half. The team had the opportunity to take an early lead at the 15th minute. A mistake from the opposition keeper while taking a freekick saw Anirudh Thapa play a lofted ball to Sunil Chhetri. Chhetri could have made an individual effort but he instead played a crisp pass to Udanta who went on to hit the woodwork.
Similarly, in the 20th minute, Sandesh Jhingan’s header from a corner couldn’t find the net. Soon, the talismanic Sunil Chhetri rose to the occasion and netted the first goal of the match at the 24th minute. A pass from Brandon Fernandes from a free-kick saw Sunil’s left-footed attempt hit the target. The Indian team drew the first blood after continued attempts.
Oman’s only considerable chance before the first half came at the 43rd minute. Gurpreet Singh made an amazing save to keep the Omani striker’s header at bay. The first half ended on the home team’s favour where they headed to the tunnel with a solitary goal lead.
The second half commenced witnessing the travelling team launch several attacks. Igor Stimac’s boys applied a much more cautious approach after the change of ends. The Indian team initially dealt well with the opposition. But soon the men in Blue seemed tired. Gurpreet Singh Sandhu made crucial saves to keep India into the game.
However, the last 15 minutes for team India under Igor Stimac has been more of a nightmare. India has lost most of their matches conceding at the last 15 crucial minutes. Nothing changed today, as, at the 82nd mark, Al-Mandhar of Oman equalled the deficit. He further went on to complete his brace at the dying minutes of the match. When the clock struck 90 and the game was headed towards the added time, Al Mandhar finished it in favour of Oman. The 24-year-old on the last minute of regulation time, cut in from the left and rifled his shot into the back of the net. India failed to script history and the drought continues.
Team India now look forward to playing against Qatar, at their backyard in Doha on 10th September 2019 for the joint qualification of the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the 2023 AFC Asian Cup.
CREDITS: AIFF Media
For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football
Also Read: Igor Stimac: India well prepared to challenge Oman!
Also Read: We will play to win against Oman: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu
Football Counter would love to hear your thoughts or feedback on your experience: Feedback on Football Counter experience
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football
AIFF eyes major policy shifts for Indian Football, announces coaching vacancy
In a significant Executive Committee meeting held on July 2, 2025, under the leadership of AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey, the AIFF initiated discussions on several potentially transformative policy proposals. These…
AFC Women’s Asian Cup / Indian Women’s Football Team / Women Football
AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers: India vs. Thailand – A Winner-Take-All Showdown!
The stage is set for a thrilling climax in Group B of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers, as India’s Blue Tigresses prepare to face Thailand’s Chabakaew in a…
AFC Women’s Asian Cup / Indian Women’s Football Team / Women Football
The Quest for Redemption: Why Tomorrow’s India vs. Thailand clash transcends Qualification
As the clock ticks down to the monumental clash between India and Thailand in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers, the air is thick with anticipation. This isn’t just…
AFC Women’s Asian Cup / Indian Women’s Football Team / Women Football
India Dominates Iraq with a resounding 5-0 win in AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers
India delivered a dominant performance, securing a commanding 5-0 win against Iraq in their AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers Group B encounter. This impressive win marks India’s third consecutive triumph…
AFC Women’s Asian Cup / Indian Women’s Football Team / Women Football
Etched in History: Blue Tigresses Break the Hex, Qualify for AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026!
When the final whistle pierced the air at the 700th Anniversary of Chiang Mai Stadium, it wasn’t just a sound; it was the echo of history being rewritten. Tears streamed…
AFC Women’s Champions League 2024-25: East Bengal FC drawn against clubs from Hong Kong, Cambodia
East Bengal FC were drawn alongside Kitchee SC (Hong Kong) and Phnom Penh Crown FC (Cambodia) in Group E of the AFC Women’s Champions League Preliminary Stage, following the draw…
Hon. President of India Flags Off 134th Durand Cup Trophies in a Grand Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhawan
New Delhi, July 4, 2025: In a moment steeped in legacy and national pride, the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, today flagged off the three iconic Durand Cup…
AFC Women’s Asian Cup / AIFF / Indian Women’s Football Team / Women Football
AIFF announces reward for fantastic Blue Tigresses
AIFF has announced a reward of USD 50,000 for the Senior Indian Women’s National Team following their outstanding performance in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers held in Thailand. The…
Maharashtra Oranje FC’s Academy Division, SFL Oranje Academy, announces Trials for 2025-26 season across multiple age groups
Mumbai, Maharashtra – Maharashtra Oranje FC, a prominent name in Mumbai’s football circuit, is set to hold extensive trials for the upcoming 2025-26 season through its academy division, SFL Oranje…
SSE BFC offering girls football trials in Mumbai for U14 & U17 Teams
SSE Soccer Schools, one of Mumbai’s longest-serving academies, is a trusted name and has positively contributed to shaping the local football community for thousands of kids since 2010. SSE Soccer…
SSE BFC Soccer Schools Announces Open Trials for 2025-26 Season in Mumbai
SSE Soccer Schools, one of Mumbai’s longest-standing football academies, has announced open trials for its 2025-26 SSE BFC Soccer Schools program in partnership with Indian Super League club Bengaluru FC….
South United FC Announces Trials in Pune for their Residential Academy in Bangalore
South United Football Club has announced its next set of trials for its new Residential Academy, which will be held in Pune. The trials will take place at the Club’s…
Corporate Football / MFA Elite Corporate League / Trials
Bank of India announces open trial for Mumbai Corporate League Campaign
Bank of India is set to make its mark in the Mumbai Corporate League and is looking for exceptional football talent to bolster its squad. The trial is scheduled for…
India Khelo Football Workshop returns to Mumbai for its 4th Season
The Indian Khelo Football (IKF) Workshop returns to Mumbai this September, bringing with it an exceptional platform for aspiring footballers to showcase their skills and seize opportunities that could transform…
MFA / Mumbai Super League / Trials
Somaiya FC announces trials for the upcoming 2024-25 Season
Somaiya FC, having secured a commendable 5th position in the MFA Super Division last season, has announced open trials as they gear up for upcoming season. The team, known for…
VR Academy to conduct trials for 2024-25 Season
Mumbai based VR Academy has announced trials for the upcoming 2024-25 season. The club is looking for talented young players to join our esteemed academy and participate in various competitive…
MH ORANJE FC U-17 Trials for the Upcoming Season
With a proud legacy of nurturing talent and achieving excellence, Maharashtra Oranje FC has recently made waves with appearances in I-League 2, securing a remarkable runner-up position in the fiercely…
Football School of India announce trials for Young Talents
Football School of India (FSI) has announced trials for young football enthusiasts in the upcoming week of June. A golden opportunity for aspiring players to showcase their talents and potentially…