India beat Oman on penalties to secure third place in CAFA Nations Cup

After a tough time, Indian football finally got something to celebrate. India's first campaign under newly appointed head coach Khalif Jamil finished on a high note, as they defeated OMAN 3-2 on penalties to secure third place in the CAFA Nations Cup. The third place match on September 8 in Hisor finished 1-1 after regulation time, but it was the star goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, wearing the captain's armband in Sandesh Jhingan's absence, who delivered an amazing save to secure the victory.

This result was much-needed to boost the confidence, after months of coach-deciding drama, a big drop in FIFA rankings, and the Indian Super League being in a limbo.

Jamil's attacking tactics paved the way, which was very clear right from the start in the match against Oman. Lallianzuala Chhangte replaced Ashique Kuruniyan to add more spark upfront, Vikram Pratap Singh came in for Jithin, and Danish Farooq was translating these tactical shifts into tangible results.

Oman, ranked 79th in FIFA rankings, dominated the ball possession in the first half against 133rd-ranked India, but they struggled to break through in the final third. India's centre-back pairing of Anwar Ali and Rahul Bheke, coming in for the injured Jhingan, looked great for the initial 15 minutes. 

Despite absorbing up the pressure, India's backline had a few nerve-wracking moments. An instance of miscommunication almost gave a goal to Oman, and in the 56th minute of the game, Al Yahmadi banked on an error to put Oman on the lead. But the Blue Tigers did not panic. Jamil's brave substitutions added energy, and the first breakthrough came in the 81st minute when Udanta Singh rose to head in a perfect cross from Rahul Bheke, equalising the score and sending the game into extra time.

The serious drama in extra time

Neither side could score the winner. The match headed to penalties, Where India started great. Chhangte scored the first, Oman missed their initial attempts, and Rahul Bheke scored India's second. Anwar Ali's attempt was saved, increasing the tension. The decisive moment came from Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, who dived excellently to deny Oman's last attempt, sealing a thrilling 3-2 shootout win.
 

Khalid Jamil's stint as India's head coach has started on a positive note with this crucial win. Although there is a big scope of improvement for the team especially finishing in open play. The Indian team showed determination gave fans plenty to celebrate. Sealing third place in the CAFA Nations Cup.