DALIAN (China), Sep 12: India lost to the UAE 0-3 as their campaign in the AFC U-23 Asian Cup 2024 Qualification ended with a second consecutive defeat, here at the Dalian Suoyuwan Stadium on Tuesday.
India finished at the bottom of Group G, having earlier lost to China 1-2.
UAE topped the group with four points and a better goal difference.
China, who also have four points, now have an outside chance of making the next round as one of the four best second-placed teams.
Both India and the UAE sensed the urgency and began the match at great intensity with tackles flying in both halves of the pitch. Jiteshwor Singh picked up a booking around the quarter hour mark for a tackle in the middle of the pitch.
The UAE managed to take the lead in the 26th minute as the Indian defenders were left rather confused after a melee inside the box.
Mohammed Abbas Alblooshi was awarded the goal after a lengthy discussion between the referee and his assistant.
The lead was doubled just three minutes after the half-hour mark, when Sultan Adil Alameeri’s low drive from inside the box found the back of the net.
UAE waited for the perfect opportunity to spring a counter-attack.
Goalkeeper Hamad Abdulla Almeqbaali launched a long ball forward, as Eisa Khalfan finished off the move to make it 3-0. (PTI)