A penalty save from captain and goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and Rahul Bheke's first international goal could not prevent Bahrain from beating India 2-1 in an international friendly played at the Sheikh Ali Bin Mohamed Stadium on Wednesday.

Goals from Mohamed Hardan and Mahdi Humaidan in either half sealed it for Bahrain, even as Bheke's powerful header, his first international goal, had helped India restore parity in the 56th minute.

The match saw five players making their international debuts. While Head Coach Igor Stimac named VP Suhair and Danish Farooq in the starting line-up, Naorem Roshan Singh, Aniket Jadhav and Anwar Ali came on as second-half substitutes.

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Earlier in the first half, a dominant Bahrain were almost off to a perfect start as they earned a penalty in the 6th minute when Mohamed Marhoon's shot hit Sandesh Jhingan's hand at the edge of the 18-yard box.

But goalkeeper and captain Gurpreet Singh Sandhu anticipated correctly, diving down to his left to palm off Mahdi Humaidan's penalty.

India tried to regroup and in the 10th minute, Liston Colaco intercepted the ball in the midfield and tried to run between his two markers.

But the rival midfield was quick to react, and thwart him. Six minutes later, the Bahrain forward line, playing it quick among themselves, broke free but Mahroon's shot crashed off the bar.

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The rebound did fall to an unmarked Humaidan but in his haste, he smashed it over. India had their first shot a few minutes later as Manvir Singh did meet Rahim Ali`s cross but the former's header was off target.

India earned their first corner in the 29th minute when Liston, taking down a long ball from Sandesh, sped down the left flank past his marker only for the rival defence to intercept his cross, and clear it for a corner.

Two minutes later, Rahim Ali was brought down as India earned a free kick in the rival half. But both the chances weren't able to create any impact.

The Blue Tigers survived a scare in the 35th minute when Marhoon squared it to Humaidan, who laid it for Komail Alaswad who failed to hit the target.

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The miss didn't prove too costly for Bahrain as they surged into the lead the very next minute.

Mahroon took his time and floated it into the box for Mohamed Hardan to volley it in, as the hosts headed into the interval with a solitary goal lead.

Changing over, Stimac brought in debutant Roshan Singh in place of Liston Colaco, and he almost scored with his first touch in international football as he tried to meet Rahim's cross on the half-volley.

The second substitution came in the 56th minute - Anirudh Thapa replacing Suhair. India earned a corner almost immediately, and it brought their equaliser.

The corner was played short, and Roshan floated it viciously behind the rival defence and the goalkeeper for Rahul Bheke to head home powerfully - his first goal in international football.

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With India having started off the blocks faster in the second half, Bahrain in their attempt to pull it back played an aerial ball to Humaidan inside the box. But even as he tried to meet it, the ball stayed out of his reach.

A double substitution came in the 79th minute Yasir Mohammad and Aniket Jadhav coming in for Danish and Rahim respectively.

The match-winner came as late as the 88th minute Humaidan making amends for his penalty miss to win it for Bahrain when he ran onto a cross from the right to put it in.

India next plays Belarus in another international friendly on March 26.

INDIA: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (captain); Pritam Kotal (Anwar Ali - 90+3 - international debut), Rahul Bheke, Sandesh Jhingan, Subhasish Bose; Manvir Singh, Danish Farooq (international debut) (Yasir Mohammad - 79th), Pronay Halder, VP Suhair (international debut) (Anirudh Thapa - 56th), Liston Colaco (Roshan Singh - 46th - international debut), Rahim Ali (Aniket Jadhav - 79th).

A penalty save from captain and goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and Rahul Bheke's first international goal could not prevent Bahrain from beating India 2-1 in an international friendly played at the Sheikh Ali Bin Mohamed Stadium on Wednesday.

A penalty save from captain and goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and Rahul Bheke's first international goal could not prevent Bahrain from beating India 2-1 in an international friendly played at the Sheikh Ali Bin Mohamed Stadium on Wednesday. Goals from Mohamed Hardan and Mahdi Humaidan in either half sealed it for Bahrain, even as Bheke's powerful header, his first international goal, had helped India restore parity in the 56th minute. The match saw five players making their international debuts. While Head Coach Igor Stimac named VP Suhair and Danish Farooq in the starting line-up, Naorem Roshan Singh, Aniket Jadhav and Anwar Ali came on as second-half substitutes. ALSO READ: Premier League legends Wayne Rooney, Patrick Vieira inducted into Hall of Fame Earlier in the first half, a dominant Bahrain were almost off to a perfect start as they earned a penalty in the 6th minute when Mohamed Marhoon's shot hit Sandesh Jhingan's hand at the edge of the 18-yard box. But goalkeeper and captain Gurpreet Singh Sandhu anticipated correctly, diving down to his left to palm off Mahdi Humaidan's penalty. India tried to regroup and in the 10th minute, Liston Colaco intercepted the ball in the midfield and tried to run between his two markers. But the rival midfield was quick to react, and thwart him. Six minutes later, the Bahrain forward line, playing it quick among themselves, broke free but Mahroon's shot crashed off the bar. ALSO READ: Manchester United star Paul Pogba says World Cup winner's medal stolen during burglary The rebound did fall to an unmarked Humaidan but in his haste, he smashed it over. India had their first shot a few minutes later as Manvir Singh did meet Rahim Ali`s cross but the former's header was off target. India earned their first corner in the 29th minute when Liston, taking down a long ball from Sandesh, sped down the left flank past his marker only for the rival defence to intercept his cross, and clear it for a corner. Two minutes later, Rahim Ali was brought down as India earned a free kick in the rival half. But both the chances weren't able to create any impact. The Blue Tigers survived a scare in the 35th minute when Marhoon squared it to Humaidan, who laid it for Komail Alaswad who failed to hit the target. ALSO READ: Lionel Messi to return to Barcelona? Here's what Barca head coach Xavi has to say about superstar's comeback The miss didn't prove too costly for Bahrain as they surged into the lead the very next minute. Mahroon took his time and floated it into the box for Mohamed Hardan to volley it in, as the hosts headed into the interval with a solitary goal lead. Changing over, Stimac brought in debutant Roshan Singh in place of Liston Colaco, and he almost scored with his first touch in international football as he tried to meet Rahim's cross on the half-volley. The second substitution came in the 56th minute - Anirudh Thapa replacing Suhair. India earned a corner almost immediately, and it brought their equaliser. The corner was played short, and Roshan floated it viciously behind the rival defence and the goalkeeper for Rahul Bheke to head home powerfully - his first goal in international football. ALSO READ: Lionel Messi to return to Barcelona? Here's what Barca head coach Xavi has to say about superstar's comeback With India having started off the blocks faster in the second half, Bahrain in their attempt to pull it back played an aerial ball to Humaidan inside the box. But even as he tried to meet it, the ball stayed out of his reach. A double substitution came in the 79th minute Yasir Mohammad and Aniket Jadhav coming in for Danish and Rahim respectively. The match-winner came as late as the 88th minute Humaidan making amends for his penalty miss to win it for Bahrain when he ran onto a cross from the right to put it in. India next plays Belarus in another international friendly on March 26. INDIA: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (captain); Pritam Kotal (Anwar Ali - 90+3 - international debut), Rahul Bheke, Sandesh Jhingan, Subhasish Bose; Manvir Singh, Danish Farooq (international debut) (Yasir Mohammad - 79th), Pronay Halder, VP Suhair (international debut) (Anirudh Thapa - 56th), Liston Colaco (Roshan Singh - 46th - international debut), Rahim Ali (Aniket Jadhav - 79th).

India go down to Bahrain 1-2  in international friendly

The Indian men's national football team has announced the 25-member squad that will travel to Bahrain to play friendly matches against the home team and Belarus.

For the record it's the maiden call up for 7 players for their first National Senior Team assignment - Prabhshukhan Gill, Hormipam Ruivah, Anwar Ali, Roshan Singh, VP Suhair, Danish Farooq, and Aniket Yadav.

The Blue Tigers will face the hosts, Bahrain, on March 23 and Belarus on March 26. Both the matches are set to kick-off at 9.30 PM IST. The squad is expected to fly to Bahrain on Monday.

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The two friendlies are part of the team's preparation for the 2023 AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers in June, later this year.

India will be playing all of their 2023 AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers matches in Kolkata, from June 8 onwards.

The Blue Tigers are placed with Afghanistan, Hong Kong, and Cambodia in Group D. The 24 teams are divided into six groups and group toppers along with the five best second-placed teams will make the cut for the showpiece event.

"We are playing Bahrain and Belarus, and they are better-ranked sides than us. But whatever the rankings are, you need to do it on the pitch. Bahrain will show us where we stand. We will give chances to some young players who have played well in the Hero ISL this season to see how much we can use them for the qualifiers in June," Head Coach Igor Stimac stated.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;&nbsp;

The final list of 25 players is as below:

Goalkeepers: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Amrinder Singh, and Prabhsukhan Gill.

Defenders: Pritam Kotal, Seriton Fernandes, Rahul Bheke, Hormipam Ruivah, Sandesh Jhingan, Anwar Ali, Chinglensana Singh, Subhasish Bose, Akash Mishra, and Roshan Singh.

Midfielders: Bipin Singh, Anirudh Thapa, Pronay Halder, Jeakson Singh, Brandon Fernandes, VP Suhair, Danish Farooq, Yasir Mohammad, and Aniket Jadhav.

FORWARDS: Manvir Singh, Liston Colaco, and Rahim Ali.

The Indian men's national football team has announced the 25-member squad that will travel to Bahrain to play friendly matches against the home team and Belarus.

The Indian men's national football team has announced the 25-member squad that will travel to Bahrain to play friendly matches against the home team and Belarus. For the record it's the maiden call up for 7 players for their first National Senior Team assignment - Prabhshukhan Gill, Hormipam Ruivah, Anwar Ali, Roshan Singh, VP Suhair, Danish Farooq, and Aniket Yadav. The Blue Tigers will face the hosts, Bahrain, on March 23 and Belarus on March 26. Both the matches are set to kick-off at 9.30 PM IST. The squad is expected to fly to Bahrain on Monday. ALSO READ: FA Cup: Liverpool to play Man City in semis after close 1-0 win against Nottingham, Palace to face Chelsea The two friendlies are part of the team's preparation for the 2023 AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers in June, later this year. India will be playing all of their 2023 AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers matches in Kolkata, from June 8 onwards. The Blue Tigers are placed with Afghanistan, Hong Kong, and Cambodia in Group D. The 24 teams are divided into six groups and group toppers along with the five best second-placed teams will make the cut for the showpiece event. "We are playing Bahrain and Belarus, and they are better-ranked sides than us. But whatever the rankings are, you need to do it on the pitch. Bahrain will show us where we stand. We will give chances to some young players who have played well in the Hero ISL this season to see how much we can use them for the qualifiers in June," Head Coach Igor Stimac stated. ALSO READ: The final list of 25 players is as below: Goalkeepers: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Amrinder Singh, and Prabhsukhan Gill. Defenders: Pritam Kotal, Seriton Fernandes, Rahul Bheke, Hormipam Ruivah, Sandesh Jhingan, Anwar Ali, Chinglensana Singh, Subhasish Bose, Akash Mishra, and Roshan Singh. Midfielders: Bipin Singh, Anirudh Thapa, Pronay Halder, Jeakson Singh, Brandon Fernandes, VP Suhair, Danish Farooq, Yasir Mohammad, and Aniket Jadhav. FORWARDS: Manvir Singh, Liston Colaco, and Rahim Ali.

Indian football team announces 25-member squad for friendlies against Bahrain, Belarus

The Indian women's football team put up a dominant show against Bahrain to register a mammoth 5-0 victory at the Hamad Town Stadium in Hamad Town, on Sunday.

Thomas Dennerby's girls sent out a strong message with this astounding victory after the heart-wrenching 0-1 defeat against Tunisia in their previous friendly in the UAE.

Sangita Basfore (13') opened the floodgate before Pyari Xaxa (19', 68'), Indumathi Kathiresan (34'), and Manisha Kalyan (69') added another four goals on their tally.

India did not delay on showing their intent right from the get-go when Anju missed the target from a corner in the 4th minute. Two minutes later, Pyari missed a chance after being fed across by Dalima Chhibber.

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They didn`t need to wait for too long to break the deadlock as Sangita provided them with an early lead in the 13th minute. Six minutes later, Pyari made amends of her previous miss to double the lead.

Skipper Ashalata also tried her luck from a free-kick, but she couldn`t manage to hit the back of the net on the night.

Ranjana Chanu, Dangmei Grace, and Pyari kept the Bahrain defence on their toes throughout, and finally, Indumathi joined the party after the half-hour mark.

India dominated in every department to hold on to a 3-0 lead at the end of the first half.

India`s Swedish coach introduced Soumya Guguloth at the break, withdrawing Grace. Ashalata once again came very close to score from a curling free-kick, but only saw her effort going off-target on the 58th minute. Six minutes later, Pyari completed her brace from Sanju`s header.

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Within a few seconds, Manisha fired in the fifth goal of the night, which put the match well beyond the hosts.

Pyari got her marching orders 17 minutes from the end of the regulation whistle, but Bahrain could not utilise the numerical advantage and the scoreline remained unchanged till the end.

The Indian women's Team will now proceed to play Chinese Taipei in their next friendly match on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The Indian women's football team put up a dominant show against Bahrain to register a mammoth 5-0 victory at the Hamad Town Stadium in Hamad Town, on Sunday. Thomas Dennerby's girls sent out a strong message with this astounding victory after the heart-wrenching 0-1 defeat against Tunisia in their previous friendly in the UAE.

The Indian women's football team put up a dominant show against Bahrain to register a mammoth 5-0 victory at the Hamad Town Stadium in Hamad Town, on Sunday. Thomas Dennerby's girls sent out a strong message with this astounding victory after the heart-wrenching 0-1 defeat against Tunisia in their previous friendly in the UAE. Sangita Basfore (13') opened the floodgate before Pyari Xaxa (19', 68'), Indumathi Kathiresan (34'), and Manisha Kalyan (69') added another four goals on their tally. India did not delay on showing their intent right from the get-go when Anju missed the target from a corner in the 4th minute. Two minutes later, Pyari missed a chance after being fed across by Dalima Chhibber. ALSO READ: SAFF Championship: Sunil Chhetri equals Pele's record as India beat Nepal 1-0 They didn`t need to wait for too long to break the deadlock as Sangita provided them with an early lead in the 13th minute. Six minutes later, Pyari made amends of her previous miss to double the lead. Skipper Ashalata also tried her luck from a free-kick, but she couldn`t manage to hit the back of the net on the night. Ranjana Chanu, Dangmei Grace, and Pyari kept the Bahrain defence on their toes throughout, and finally, Indumathi joined the party after the half-hour mark. India dominated in every department to hold on to a 3-0 lead at the end of the first half. India`s Swedish coach introduced Soumya Guguloth at the break, withdrawing Grace. Ashalata once again came very close to score from a curling free-kick, but only saw her effort going off-target on the 58th minute. Six minutes later, Pyari completed her brace from Sanju`s header. ALSO READ: SAFF Championships: 10-man Bangladesh hold India 1-1 despite Sunil Chhetri's 76th international goal Within a few seconds, Manisha fired in the fifth goal of the night, which put the match well beyond the hosts. Pyari got her marching orders 17 minutes from the end of the regulation whistle, but Bahrain could not utilise the numerical advantage and the scoreline remained unchanged till the end. The Indian women's Team will now proceed to play Chinese Taipei in their next friendly match on Wednesday.

Pyari Xaxa shines as Indian women's football team thrash Bahrain 5-0

Stephen Constantine has stepped down as the head coach of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/india-drop-out-of-asian-cup-after-90th-minute-loss-to-bahrain-190318">Indian national football team after they crashed out of the ongoing AFC Asian Cup </a>on Monday.

India needed a draw against Bahrain in their final group match to qualify for the knockout stages for the first time ever in their history. However, they were thwarted in cruel fashion as an 89th-minute penalty from Jamal Rashed handed Bahrain all three points.

Immediately after the defeat, the Englishman revealed that he had decided to step down from his position.

"I have been here for four years. My objective from day one was to qualify for the Asian Cup and we have done that," expressed the coach.

"I am exceptionally proud of the players for everything that they have given. I thank the All India Football Federation (AIFF), Kushal Das, Praful Patel and Abhishek Yadav for the support that they have given me."&nbsp;

"I think my cycle is finished. I did what I was asked. It is time for me to move on," he concluded.

India had started the Asian Cup campaign in fantastic fashion, after a 4-1 thumping of Thailand. But defeats to UAE and Bahrain saw them finish last in their group.

Stephen Constantine has stepped down as the head coach of the Indian national football team after they crashed out of the ongoing AFC Asian Cup on Monday. India needed a draw against Bahrain in their final group match to qualify for the knockout stages for the first time ever in their history.

Stephen Constantine has stepped down as the head coach of the Indian national football team after they crashed out of the ongoing AFC Asian Cup on Monday. India needed a draw against Bahrain in their final group match to qualify for the knockout stages for the first time ever in their history. However, they were thwarted in cruel fashion as an 89th-minute penalty from Jamal Rashed handed Bahrain all three points. Immediately after the defeat, the Englishman revealed that he had decided to step down from his position. "I have been here for four years. My objective from day one was to qualify for the Asian Cup and we have done that," expressed the coach. "I am exceptionally proud of the players for everything that they have given. I thank the All India Football Federation (AIFF), Kushal Das, Praful Patel and Abhishek Yadav for the support that they have given me." "I think my cycle is finished. I did what I was asked. It is time for me to move on," he concluded. India had started the Asian Cup campaign in fantastic fashion, after a 4-1 thumping of Thailand. But defeats to UAE and Bahrain saw them finish last in their group.

After defeat against Bahrain, Stephen Constantine resigns as Indian football team coach

India's hopes to qualify for the maiden knock-out round berth were shattered after losing to Bahrain in the final Group A match at Al-Sharjah Stadium on Monday.&nbsp;

India defended well throughout the match but in the 90th minute, Bahrain was given a penalty when&nbsp;India captain Pronay Halder committed a careless tackle inside the box.&nbsp;

Bahrain's&nbsp;Jamal Rashid, without making a mistake, hit the winner and booked a knock-out berth for his team.&nbsp;

India finished outside the top two after the group's other game between UAE and Thailand ended in a 1-1 draw.&nbsp;

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⏱ FULL-TIME:<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bahrain?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bahrain</a> are through to the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AsianCup2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AsianCup2019</a> round of 16! 
 
🇮🇳 India 0-1 Bahrain 🇧🇭 <a href="https://t.co/2ylGSJJenv">pic.twitter.com/2ylGSJJenv</a>
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30 minutes of absolute excitement to go! 🇮🇳🇧🇭🇦🇪🇹🇭 
 
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Entering their final group game following a 4-1 win over Thailand and a 0-2 loss to hosts United Arab Emirates, a determined India held on for 90 minutes before conceding.&nbsp;

This was India's fourth appearance in the continental showpiece, beginning with the 1964 edition, in which only four teams participated.&nbsp;

In their next Asian Cup in 1984, India were knocked out in the first round and they suffered a similar fate in 2011, when they lost heavily to Australia, South Korea and Bahrain.&nbsp;

However, the team under coach Stephen Constantine started the tournament with the demolition of Thailand.&nbsp;

They were a shade unlucky against UAE and went down fighting, but looked determined against Bahrain.&nbsp;

The Blue Tigers started off shakily after losing defender Anas Edathodika to injury as early as the second minute, but Sandesh Jhingan and his colleagues managed to stave off the Bahrain strikers until the blunder inside the box.&nbsp;

India's hopes to qualify for the maiden knock-out round berth were shattered after losing to Bahrain in the final Group A match at Al-Sharjah Stadium on Monday. India defended well throughout the match but in the 90th minute, Bahrain was given a penalty when India captain Pronay Halder committed a careless tackle inside the box.

India's hopes to qualify for the maiden knock-out round berth were shattered after losing to Bahrain in the final Group A match at Al-Sharjah Stadium on Monday. India defended well throughout the match but in the 90th minute, Bahrain was given a penalty when India captain Pronay Halder committed a careless tackle inside the box. Bahrain's Jamal Rashid, without making a mistake, hit the winner and booked a knock-out berth for his team. India finished outside the top two after the group's other game between UAE and Thailand ended in a 1-1 draw. ⏱ FULL-TIME:#Bahrain are through to the #AsianCup2019 round of 16! 🇮🇳 India 0-1 Bahrain 🇧🇭 pic.twitter.com/2ylGSJJenv — #AsianCup2019 (@afcasiancup) January 14, 2019 × 30 minutes of absolute excitement to go! 🇮🇳🇧🇭🇦🇪🇹🇭 What do these four managers have up their sleeves? #AsianCup2019 pic.twitter.com/pJqoDvUoAg — #AsianCup2019 (@afcasiancup) January 14, 2019 × Entering their final group game following a 4-1 win over Thailand and a 0-2 loss to hosts United Arab Emirates, a determined India held on for 90 minutes before conceding. This was India's fourth appearance in the continental showpiece, beginning with the 1964 edition, in which only four teams participated. In their next Asian Cup in 1984, India were knocked out in the first round and they suffered a similar fate in 2011, when they lost heavily to Australia, South Korea and Bahrain. However, the team under coach Stephen Constantine started the tournament with the demolition of Thailand. They were a shade unlucky against UAE and went down fighting, but looked determined against Bahrain. The Blue Tigers started off shakily after losing defender Anas Edathodika to injury as early as the second minute, but Sandesh Jhingan and his colleagues managed to stave off the Bahrain strikers until the blunder inside the box.

India out of Asian Cup after 90th-minute loss to Bahrain

A heartbreaking loss after a stunning win denting their confidence, India will still be fired up by the prospect of a maiden knock-out round berth when they take on Bahrain in their final Asian Cup group league match here on Monday.

A draw against the West Asian side, currently ranked 113, will be enough for India (ranked 97) to qualify for the round of 16 for the first time in the continent's showpiece event after failed attempts in 1984 and 2011.

Monday's match at the Sharjah Stadium, which may turn out to be the biggest night of Indian football after its achievements during the Golden Years (1951 to 64), is also significant as talismanic skipper Sunil Chhetri will equal former captain Bhaichung Bhutia's record of highest appearances for the country at 107 each.&nbsp;

India had finished runners-up in the 1964 edition in Israel but that tournament was played in a round-robin format comprising four countries with the winners being decided on the basis of points collected in the league. There was not a single knock-out match in that edition.&nbsp;

But even a defeat on Monday may still see India (3 points from 2 matches) through to the knock-out rounds as one of the four third-placed teams if hosts United Arab Emirates (4 from 2 matches) beat Thailand (3 from 2 matches) in Al Ain in the other Group A match to be played simultaneously.

Four third-placed sides from the six groups of four team each will also advance to the knock-out rounds, along with the top two countries.

Under the competition rules of the Asian Cup, if two teams end their group stage engagements on equal points, the ranking will be decided first on the basis of head to head result.&nbsp;

So, if both Thailand and India lose their matches on Monday, India will end at third as they have defeated the 'War Elephants' 4-1 in their opening match.

But the Stephen Constantine side cannot lose to Bahrain -- to whom India lost 2-5 in the 2011 Asian Cup -- by a big margin as goal difference will get the first preference while deciding which team makes it to the Round of 16 among third place sides of equal points.&nbsp;

In Groups C and D, two bottom-placed teams have not yet opened their accounts after playing two matches each and they have minus goal difference as against India's plus one.

Courtesy, the stunning win against Thailand has shown that India are no longer an 'also ran' side and the second match against the UAE -- though lost 0-2 -- strengthened the thought that this side can hold onto their own without fear and take the game to the opposition, unlike the teams of the past.

Luck also eluded India in the match against UAE as the woodwork denied them on two occasions while Ashique Kuruniyan and Chhetri had the goalkeeper at their mercy but failed to beat him. India had more shots at opposition goal though UAE had the overwhelming possession.&nbsp;

Constantine has built India into a compact and largely defensive unit which tries to score on the counter. The team largely maintained it shape and intensity in the first two matches against Thailand and UAE.

The lack of creativity in the midfield as compared to other top sides was, however, evident and a lot will depend on Chhetri, who has become the highest Indian goal scorer in the Asian Cup (with four strikes) as well as second highest international goal scorer (67 from 106 matches) among active players.

India may again deploy a defensive approach and hit on the counter against a physical Bahrain as they need just a draw while it is a must-win for the West Asian side as they are with just one point from two matches after their 0-1 loss to Thailand.

The Thais defended deep in the first half against Bahrain and hit on the counter and the 'War Elephants' were able to get a second half goal. So, it is not beyond India's reach to get a favourable result against Bahrain.

Constantine fielded the same starting eleven in both against Thailand and UAE in a 4-4-2 formation and it will have to be seen whether he does the same against Bahrain. The central defender duo of Sandesh Jhingan and Anas Edathodika largely marshalled the back-line well so far but there were periods of lack of understanding between them which led to the two goals by UAE.

The head coach is unlikely to make changes at the heart of the defence as well as in the upfront duo of Chhetri and Kuruniyan. However, Constantine may try out Balwant Singh at some point in time considering the physicality of the Bahrain side.&nbsp;

Jeje Lapekhlua has been the preferred forward for Constantine to come in as substitute.

Rowlin Borges is an option for Pranoy Halder in the role of a defensive midfielder while attacking midfielder Anirudha Thapa was a bit subdued against UAE. Right winger Udanta Singh was brilliant in the match against Thailand as he was involved in three goals and he was denied by the crossbar against UAE as well.&nbsp;

Historically, India have won just one match against Bahrain in seven matches played so far between the two countries. That win (2-0) had come in an international friendly in Bahrain in October, 1979 with striker Shabir Ali scoring both the goals.&nbsp;

Bahrain have won on five occasions win while one match had ended in a draw.&nbsp;

A heartbreaking loss after a stunning win denting their confidence, India will still be fired up by the prospect of a maiden knock-out round berth when they take on Bahrain in their final Asian Cup group league match here on Monday.

A heartbreaking loss after a stunning win denting their confidence, India will still be fired up by the prospect of a maiden knock-out round berth when they take on Bahrain in their final Asian Cup group league match here on Monday. A draw against the West Asian side, currently ranked 113, will be enough for India (ranked 97) to qualify for the round of 16 for the first time in the continent's showpiece event after failed attempts in 1984 and 2011. Monday's match at the Sharjah Stadium, which may turn out to be the biggest night of Indian football after its achievements during the Golden Years (1951 to 64), is also significant as talismanic skipper Sunil Chhetri will equal former captain Bhaichung Bhutia's record of highest appearances for the country at 107 each. India had finished runners-up in the 1964 edition in Israel but that tournament was played in a round-robin format comprising four countries with the winners being decided on the basis of points collected in the league. There was not a single knock-out match in that edition. But even a defeat on Monday may still see India (3 points from 2 matches) through to the knock-out rounds as one of the four third-placed teams if hosts United Arab Emirates (4 from 2 matches) beat Thailand (3 from 2 matches) in Al Ain in the other Group A match to be played simultaneously. Four third-placed sides from the six groups of four team each will also advance to the knock-out rounds, along with the top two countries. Under the competition rules of the Asian Cup, if two teams end their group stage engagements on equal points, the ranking will be decided first on the basis of head to head result. So, if both Thailand and India lose their matches on Monday, India will end at third as they have defeated the 'War Elephants' 4-1 in their opening match. But the Stephen Constantine side cannot lose to Bahrain -- to whom India lost 2-5 in the 2011 Asian Cup -- by a big margin as goal difference will get the first preference while deciding which team makes it to the Round of 16 among third place sides of equal points. In Groups C and D, two bottom-placed teams have not yet opened their accounts after playing two matches each and they have minus goal difference as against India's plus one. Courtesy, the stunning win against Thailand has shown that India are no longer an 'also ran' side and the second match against the UAE -- though lost 0-2 -- strengthened the thought that this side can hold onto their own without fear and take the game to the opposition, unlike the teams of the past. Luck also eluded India in the match against UAE as the woodwork denied them on two occasions while Ashique Kuruniyan and Chhetri had the goalkeeper at their mercy but failed to beat him. India had more shots at opposition goal though UAE had the overwhelming possession. Constantine has built India into a compact and largely defensive unit which tries to score on the counter. The team largely maintained it shape and intensity in the first two matches against Thailand and UAE. The lack of creativity in the midfield as compared to other top sides was, however, evident and a lot will depend on Chhetri, who has become the highest Indian goal scorer in the Asian Cup (with four strikes) as well as second highest international goal scorer (67 from 106 matches) among active players. India may again deploy a defensive approach and hit on the counter against a physical Bahrain as they need just a draw while it is a must-win for the West Asian side as they are with just one point from two matches after their 0-1 loss to Thailand. The Thais defended deep in the first half against Bahrain and hit on the counter and the 'War Elephants' were able to get a second half goal. So, it is not beyond India's reach to get a favourable result against Bahrain. Constantine fielded the same starting eleven in both against Thailand and UAE in a 4-4-2 formation and it will have to be seen whether he does the same against Bahrain. The central defender duo of Sandesh Jhingan and Anas Edathodika largely marshalled the back-line well so far but there were periods of lack of understanding between them which led to the two goals by UAE. The head coach is unlikely to make changes at the heart of the defence as well as in the upfront duo of Chhetri and Kuruniyan. However, Constantine may try out Balwant Singh at some point in time considering the physicality of the Bahrain side. Jeje Lapekhlua has been the preferred forward for Constantine to come in as substitute. Rowlin Borges is an option for Pranoy Halder in the role of a defensive midfielder while attacking midfielder Anirudha Thapa was a bit subdued against UAE. Right winger Udanta Singh was brilliant in the match against Thailand as he was involved in three goals and he was denied by the crossbar against UAE as well. Historically, India have won just one match against Bahrain in seven matches played so far between the two countries. That win (2-0) had come in an international friendly in Bahrain in October, 1979 with striker Shabir Ali scoring both the goals. Bahrain have won on five occasions win while one match had ended in a draw.

Asian Cup: India aim historic knock-out berth in Chhetri's record-equalling match against Bahrain

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Asian Cup: India aim historic knock-out berth in Chhetri's record-equalling match against Bahrain