The India U-17 men’s football team pulled off a sensational 2-1 victory over formidable opponents Iran at the EKA Arena in Ahmedabad. This special win in the final Group D fixture of the AFC U-17 Asian Cup qualifiers not only sealed their spot as group toppers but also secured their ticket to the AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2026.
The defending SAFF champions, under the guidance of coach Bibiano Fernandes, showcased remarkable resilience and tactical maturity in a thrilling contest that saw them come from a goal down.
The match began with high stakes, as only the group winner was guaranteed ticket to the main tournament. India, entering the final matchday in third place with four points, knew they faced their “toughest test” against an Iranian side expected to dominate.
Iran delivered the first blow in the 18th minute, stunning the home crowd. It was Amirreza Valipoor who expertly found the back of the net, giving the visitors a crucial 1-0 advantage.
However, the Blue Colts refused to buckle. Just moments before the half-time whistle, India earned a penalty. Stepping up to the spot, Dallalmuon Gangte held his nerve and clinically slotted the ball home in the 45th minute to equalise. The collective sigh of relief and roar of the fans following the 1-1 parity was palpable.
Returning after the break with renewed vigour, the Indian side produced a moment of sheer brilliance that would ultimately decide the tie. In the 51st minute, Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam unleashed a stunner, scoring a spectacular goal that sent the stadium into raptures. The young midfielder celebrated the goal with a passionate tribute to his idol, Lionel Messi, embodying the team’s fighting spirit.
The remainder of the half saw Iran desperately press for an equaliser. Yet, the Indian defensive unit stood firm, producing a stellar, disciplined performance. Goalkeeper Rajrup Sarkar rose to the occasion, making a series of crucial saves that thwarted multiple Iranian attempts, ensuring the 2-1 lead remained intact until the final whistle.
Qualification Confirmed
The victory was the climax of an eventful qualification journey for the Blue Colts:
- Draw: Sharing points in the opener against Palestine.
- Win: A convincing 3-1 victory over Chinese Taipei.
- Loss: Going down 0-2 against Lebanon.
- Crucial Win: The historic 2-1 triumph over Iran.
India and Iran both finished the group stage with 7 points from four games. However, according to AFC regulations, India secured the top spot in Group D due to the Head-to-Head (H2H) record over goal difference, sealing their berth to the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026.
The achievement is a significant milestone for Indian football, especially at a time when the sport in the country is going through a difficult phase. The top-tier league is yet to begin, and the national team has slipped to 142 in the FIFA rankings following the recent defeat against Bangladesh.
Against this backdrop, coach Bibiano’s boys have truly created history at the EKA Arena. The nation now eagerly waits to see how this promising group performs on the continental stage.
