Manvir Singh header ensures Blue Tigers share spoils with Oman on International return

Manvir Singh and Amrinder Singh played crucial roles for the Blue Tigers in their return to International football after a gap of 492 days, as India were held to a 1-1 draw by Oman at the Maktoum Bin Rashid Stadium in Dubai, UAE, on Thursday (March 25).
Manvir Singh rose highest to nod in Bipin Singh’s cross in the second half, cancelling out a first-half strike by Oman. Amrinder had a stellar game, saving a penalty, and making numerous saves to deny the Omani forwards a second goal.
India head coach Igor Stimac handed International debuts to as many as 10 players – Akash Mishra, Ashutosh Mehta, Chinglensana Singh, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Bipin Singh and Jeakson Singh were the debutants who started the match, while Lalengmawia Ralte, Yasir Mohammad, Ishan Pandita, and Mashoor Shereef got their respective debuts from the bench.
With 10 debuts, Igor Stimac became the Blue Tigers head coach to hand the most number of maiden International caps in a single match, in this century. Stephen Constantine, previously held this record, handing out seven debuts in India’s game against Nepal on March 12, 2015.
Despite the fact that Oman started off on the front foot, India got a couple of early chances, when a throw-in by Ashutosh Mehta from deep inside the Oman half found Manvir, whose shot on the turn was deflected out of play. Sandesh Jhingan got in a decent effort from the resulting Bipin Singh corner, but it was off target.
Around the quarter-hour mark, Oman had a good chance to take the lead when Amjad Al Harthi penetrated the India box from the right and sent in a low cross towards Abdullah Abdulghafur, but the latter’s effort was blocked thanks to a last-ditch tackle by Ashutosh Mehta.
Ashique Kuruniyan made a foray down the left in the 19th minute, and layed it off for Akash Mishra on the overlap. The young fullback sent in a cross aimed at Manvir Singh, but it was cleared by the Oman defence.
Oman captain Abdulaziz Maqbali was adjudged to have been brought down inside the Indian penalty area, as the referee pointed to the spot in the 26th minute. Abdulaziz stepped up to take the spot-kick, but India custodian Amrinder Singh dived to his right to make a fine save and keep India on level terms.
With a little over 10 minutes left of regulation time in the first half, Suresh Singh made a good interception in the Oman third and played Bipin Singh through into the box, but the forward ran into traffic as the danger was averted by the Oman defence.

Oman breached the Indian resistance in the 43rd minute, when Chinglensana Singh attempted to block a cross from the left by Al Akhbari. While the Indian defender managed to get a foot onto the cross, the deflection, in the melee, hit Amrinder and trickled over the Indian goal-line.
India tried to forge one final chance deep in the first half added time, when Manvir Singh nodded a long ball through for Bipin, who raced down the flank, but the Omani defence cleared it for an Indian throw. However, the referee brought an end to the first half as soon as it was lobbed back into play by Akash Mishra. Oman took the slender lead into the tunnel at the half-time break.
Oman came out with more intent in the second half, often making forays into the Blue Tigers’ third. However, the Igor Stimac-coached side struck back on the 55th minute, when Ashutosh Mehta made a clever interception in the opposition half, soared up the right wing, and played Bipin into the box. The latter lobbed in a cross aimed at Manvir Singh, who came up with a perfect header, nodding the ball into the ground and past the keeper, putting India on level terms.
A few minutes past the hour mark, Oman earned a free-kick in a dangerous position. Abdulghafur curled a fierce shot towards the top corner, but Amrinder pulled off another amazing save with an outstretched arm. The India custodian was in action again, when he palmed away another effort by Al Harthi on the near post.
In the 69th minute, Ashutosh broke free on the right flank once again, and fired in a cross for Manvir, but the striker’s header was off target.
As the clock wore down, India started to gain more control in the game, and looked to make forays in the Oman third. This was helped by the attacking chances made by Stimac in the final quarter of an hour, bringing on the likes of Ishan Pandita and Lallianzuala Chhangte.
However, the referee soon brought the match to an end, as India and Oman shared the spoils.
India XI: Amrinder Singh (GK); Ashutosh Mehta, Chinglensana Singh, Sandesh Jhingan (c), Akash Mishra (Mohammed Yasir 61’); Suresh Wangjam (Lallianzuala Chhangte 76’), Rowllin Borges (Lalengmawia Ralte 46’), Jeakson Singh (Raynier Fernandes 46’); Bipin Singh (Ishan Pandita 72’), Ashique Kuruniyan, Manvir Singh (Mashoor Shereef 90’).
CREDITS: AIFF Media
For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football
Also Read: Just For Kicks organize virtual football leagues, record 3,680 participants
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football
Maharashtra State Mens Football League
Early Leaders emerge as Maharashtra State Men’s Football League kicks off with a bang
The inaugural Maharashtra State League explodes into action with Mumbai teams MYJ-GM and MH Oranje setting the early pace, while Magic Made Soccer shows grit despite disciplinary woes. The inaugural…
Nationals / Swami Vivekananda U-20 Men's NFC
Maharashtra U20s start Swami Vivekananda NFC Campaign with solid win over Himachal Pradesh
Maharashtra kicked off their campaign in the 2025 Swami Vivekananda Men’s U20 National Football Championship with a confident 2-0 victory over Himachal Pradesh. The Western state displayed a composed performance,…
Ruthless India sweep past Nepal to top SAFF U19 Group B
India U19 side delivered a commanding performance, dismantling Nepal 4-0 to secure the top spot in Group B of the SAFF U19 Championship. With a brace from the in-form Rohen…
Hero U-17 Youth Cup / Youth league
Punjab FC ease past Jamshedpur FC to clinch AIFF U-17 Elite Youth League title
Four first-half goals ensured Punjab FC (PFC) ease past Jamshedpur FC 4-1 to clinch the AIFF U-17 Elite Youth League 2024-25 title in the final played here at the Indira Gandhi…
Maharashtra State Mens Football League / WIFA
MSMFL: Early trends, twists, and turns emerge after action-packed start
Goals, red cards, and unexpected outcomes mark the league’s initial phase, setting the MSMFL for a thrilling battle ahead The early dust has settled in the inaugural Maharashtra Senior Men’s…
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…
Mumbai Super League club Charkop FC to conduct open trials for upcoming Season
Calling all aspiring football stars! Charkop FC, a MFA super division club based in Charkop, Kandivali, is set to conduct Open Trials for the upcoming season. About Charkop FC: In…
Academy / Football Academy / Trials
Mumbai 42 Football Academy to conduct trials for Youth players
Newly established Mumbai 42 Football Academy will be conducting trials for young footballers in the upcoming week.