Historic penalty shootout victory over Oman secures a podium finish in debut tournament.
HISOR, TAJIKISTAN (ATP) – The Indian men’s football team has secured a historic bronze medal in their maiden appearance at the CAFA Nations Cup 2025. In a thrilling third-place play-off at the Hisor Central Stadium, India defeated a higher-ranked Oman side 3-2 in a penalty shootout after the match ended 1-1 in regulation and extra time.
According to repotrs, This victory marks the first time in history that India has defeated Oman in an international football match.
Oman took the lead in the 55th minute through Jameel Al Yahmadi, but India, showing immense resilience, fought back. Substitute Udanta Singh, who had just come onto the field, scored a dramatic equalizer in the 80th minute with a powerful header, forcing the match into extra time.
With the game still deadlocked after 120 minutes, the bronze medal was decided by a penalty shootout. The hero of the night was India’s captain and goalkeeper, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu. After Oman missed their first two penalties, Sandhu made a crucial, full-stretch save on the final penalty kick from Al Yahmadi to seal the historic 3-2 victory for India.
