Piyush Khanore

AIFF Media Team 

PATTAYA, THAILAND: The Indian beach soccer national team are set for their third showdown at the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup Thailand 2025, facing Lebanon. The clash will take place at the Jomtien Beach Arena in Pattaya, Thailand, on Monday, March 24, 2025, with kick-off scheduled for 3:30 PM IST.

With one of the youngest squads in the tournament, they took on two experienced teams in the form of hosts Thailand (0-3) in their first match, and Kuwait (2-4) in their second. These losses have kept India at the bottom of Group A, making qualification an uphill battle.

But the squad is not done fighting yet. India need to defeat Lebanon by four or more goals, and hope that Thailand beat Kuwait, in order to secure their qualification to the quarter-finals. The top two teams from each group make it to the knockouts.

India head coach Mohd Faizal Bin Sood expressed, “The difference isn’t just in the chances — we create them, but others capitalise on them. Against Kuwait, we carved out more openings than we did against Thailand, yet the final touch keeps slipping away. We get too close, we hesitate, and the moment vanishes. We’ve already shown growth, scoring twice and knocking on the door multiple times. Now, it’s time to kick it open.

“Lebanon won’t just be a game — it’ll be a battle. They’re experienced, relentless, and every player in their squad is a threat, even their goalkeeper. But now, our boys have had a taste of blood for scoring, and hunger is contagious,” said the Malaysian.

The coach also spoke about the team’s mindset and expectations: “Eighteen years away from a stage like this, we came in with our expectations grounded. A win — that was the mission. We’ve proven we can stand tall, that India belong in beach soccer.”

Speaking of heroes, Satish Naik etched his name into history, becoming the first-ever Indian to score in the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup. The 26-year-old striker not only netted India’s debut goal, but also set up the second in a valiant fight against Kuwait.

“Scoring for India is a dream I’ve lived a thousand times in my head, but feeling it in reality was something else. The moment the ball hit the net, I got goosebumps — pure electricity running through me. It was a proud moment, but I just wish we could’ve turned it into a win. That would have made it truly perfect,” said Naik.

Captain Rohith Yesudas also found his moment. He said, “Coming back from 1-2 and scoring in the third period was special, but it would’ve meant so much more with a win,” he admitted.

With Lebanon ahead, the captain remains focussed. “They’re strong and experienced, but we’ve shown our fight. This time, we have to be clinical — we will finish better and give  everything on the pitch.”