A first-half penalty from Prince Dube proved to be the difference between the two sides, as Zimbabwe secured a third-place finish while India ended the tournament without finding the back of the net.

Looking to bounce back from their semi-final defeat against Jamaica, head coach Khalid Jamil made four changes to his starting lineup. Vikram Partap Singh, Rahim Ali, Macarton Nickson, and Ricky Shabong were handed starting roles, with Shabong making his first start for the senior national team following his debut appearance earlier in the tournament.

The opening stages saw both teams compete evenly, but Zimbabwe gradually began to assert control, creating the more dangerous opportunities in the attacking third. India’s defence, led by Sandesh Jhingan, stood firm early on, with the experienced centre-back producing crucial interventions to deny Zimbabwe from dangerous crosses and attacking moves.

India’s best chance of the first half arrived in the 29th minute when Ricky Shabong delivered a perfectly weighted pass over the defence for Vikram Partap Singh. Just as the forward looked set to break through on goal, Zimbabwe captain John Takwara produced an excellent last-ditch tackle to prevent a clear scoring opportunity.

The decisive moment came four minutes later. After a sustained spell of possession, Zimbabwe worked the ball into the penalty area where Washington Gift Navaya was brought down by Farukh Choudhary. The referee pointed to the spot, and Prince Dube calmly converted the penalty, sending goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu the wrong way to give Zimbabwe a 1-0 lead.

Zimbabwe continued to threaten before halftime, while India struggled to create clear openings despite enjoying spells of possession.

The Blue Tigers emerged from the break with greater urgency and attacking intent. Lallianzuala Chhangte and Vikram Partap Singh looked lively going forward, while Gurpreet was called upon to make an important save to deny Shane Maroodza from a tight angle.

India came agonisingly close to finding an equaliser in the 60th minute. Rahul Bheke’s long throw caused confusion inside the Zimbabwe box before the ball fell to Chhangte on the edge of the area. His powerful strike took a deflection and appeared destined for the net, only for the Zimbabwe goalkeeper to produce an excellent save and push the effort onto the post.

Macarton Nickson also went close with a header that drifted narrowly wide, while Edmund Lalrindika almost connected with a dangerous cross from Vikram in the closing minutes as India continued to search for a breakthrough.

Late in the game, Nikhil Barla made his senior international debut after coming on as a substitute, marking a memorable personal milestone despite the result.

India pushed until the final whistle but were unable to break down a disciplined Zimbabwe defence, as the Warriors held on to secure third place in the tournament.

The Blue Tigers will now shift their focus to the upcoming FIFA International Match Window, where they are scheduled to face Tajikistan in two international friendlies on June 5 and June 9 as preparations continue for future competitions.

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