(source : ANI) ( Photo Credit : ani)
India’s futsal team kicked off the AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers with a 1-4 loss to Kuwait, but head coach Reza Kordi sees bright signs for the Futsal Tigers. The Iranian coach, who’s led the squad through three matches now, points out steady improvements and predicts their first international win is close.
The young Indian players put up a strong fight against the higher-ranked hosts in Ardiya, Kuwait. Ranked 135th globally—the lowest in Group A—India surprised everyone by taking the lead early. David Laltlansanga slid in a stunning goal, leaving the roaring home crowd stunned amid drums and chants.
Laltlansanga, a rising star in Indian futsal, kept his hot streak alive. He’s scored in all four of India’s AFC Futsal Asian Cup qualifier games so far. Even without a win yet, his six goals rank him just behind Iran’s top scorer.
“We played really well in the first half,” Kordi said. “We grabbed our chance and scored a beauty. In the second half, we created more opportunities but couldn’t convert. That’s futsal—if you miss your shots, you’ll pay for it, like with their third and fourth goals.”
Kuwait, with 13 Asian Cup appearances under their belt, staged a comeback to claim the points. India’s goalkeeper Ozen Vivian Silva shone brightly, pulling off 20 saves in a standout performance. He was the star keeper at last year’s AIFF Futsal Club Championship for Ambelim SC.
After the match, Kordi apologized to fans: “The federation backed us fully. Congrats to Kuwait, but we didn’t lose to them—we lost to our inexperience and their keeper’s big saves. Both goalies were on fire.”
Still, Kordi stays upbeat. “I’m proud of these young Futsal Tigers. India can climb to Asia’s top soon. We’re on the right path.”
Next up, India faces Australia in Group A on Monday at 6:30 PM IST in Qushaian Al Mutairi Hall, Ardiya. Catch the live stream on the 51 Kuwait app or 51.com.kw. Australia, ranked 53rd, crushed Mongolia 8-1 in their opener, with five second-half goals.
Kordi scouted the Aussies and remains hopeful. “We’ll focus on recovery. Australia has skilled, experienced players in Asia. We aim to beat them, then tackle Mongolia in the third game. They have experience, but we believe we can pull it off.”
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