India beat Kuwait 2-1 win but could not qualify for next year's AFC U-20 Asian Cup

India had lost 2-4 and 1-4 to Iraq and Australia respectively in their previous group matches

Skipper Taison Singh and Gurkirat Singh struck in either half as India edged past hosts Kuwait 2-1 in their final qualification match but the third-place finish in Group H was not good enough to qualify for the next year's AFC U-20 Asian Cup.

India finished ahead of Kuwait but behind toppers Australia and second-placed Iraq qualification event, which identified participants for next year's tournament in Uzbekistan. Top teams from all the 10 groups and the five best runners-up qualified for the final tournament, with Uzbekistan getting a direct entry as hosts in the 16-team continental event to be held from March 1 to 18 in 2023.

India had lost 2-4 and 1-4 to Iraq and Australia respectively in their previous group matches. In the match against Kuwait on Tuesday night, Taison Singh and Gurkirat Singh scored for India while Saleh Almehtab pulled one back for the hosts at the Ali Sabah Al-Salem Stadium.

India started on the front foot, and in the very first minute, a long throw hurled into the box caused some confusion in the Kuwait defence, resting in an Indian corner. Himanshu Jangra made a fine run at the near post onto a Vibin cross, but his effort went over the cross-bar.

India goalkeeper Zahid Bukhari had to make a crucial save a minute later off a shot by Fahad Alazmi.

However, Taison gave India the early lead in the eighth minute when he burst into the box, skipped past his marker and laced a powerful shot into the top corner.

Kuwait pounced on the attack soon and Jarah Alheleeli struck the Indian cross-bar from a free-kick.