India notched up a massive result in their opening 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying second round clash against Kuwait, as Manvir Singh’s second-half winner gave Igor Stimac’s side the three points at the Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium in Kuwait City.
India came into the game without a regulation-time win in the last six matches they’d played, although there were some impressive performances, notably against Iraq in the King’s Cup and Kuwait themselves in the SAFF Championship final.
Stimac sprung a few surprises with his selection, notably benching Lallianzuala Chhangte, in favour of Manvir and Naorem Mahesh Singh on the wings. Rahul Bheke was preferred to Mehtab Singh at centre-back, while Apuia Ralte made his return to the national team starting in central midfield alongside Suresh Singh Wangjam.
Both of India’s games against Kuwait at the SAFF Championship ended 1-1, and the first-half showed why again, as the two sides were so evenly matched and canceled each other out. Gurpreet Singh Sandhu barely had to work in the Indian goal, but the Indian attackers didn’t threaten Abdulrahman Marzouq’s goal either. The best chance of a rather drab first half fell to skipper Sunil Chhetri. Nikhil Poojary picked him out with a cross from the right flank, but the skipper’s volley was skewed on to the roof of the net.
The second half began in much the same way as a large part of the first went, until Stimac played his trump card. Mahesh was replaced by Chhangte, and there was an immediate spark, as India clicked into gear as an attacking unit.
The defining moment came when Akash Mishra played Chhangte through on the left, he went to the by-line and played a perfect cut-back for Manvir to finish off first-time with his left foot. It was a sensational team move, and it got a finish that it warranted.
Gurpreet had one save to make after that, which he did by smothering the ball at the feet of Mohammed Abdullah as India comfortably negotiated the final exchanges, which were made easier by Faisal Al Harbi’s two yellow cards in stoppage time, that gave the visitors the man advantage.
India next face Qatar in Bhubaneswar on November 21.
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