India stunned IR Iran 2-1 to qualify for AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026 from Group D at EKA Arena in Ahmedabad.
Amirreza Valipoor in 19′ gave IR Iran the lead while Dallalmuon Gangte in 45+1′ through penalty and Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam in 52′ scored for hosts.
Before the match, India had four points and it was a must win match for them, while IR Iran was on seven points and a draw would have taken them to final round.
However, the Blue Colts hold their nerve and defeated Iran in for the first time since 1959 in any age group match.
Earlier, India played a 1-1 draw with Palestine, defeated Chinese Taipei 3-1, lost to Lebanon 0-2.
This will be the 10th time that India will appear in AFC U17 Asian Cup final. India’s best performance was in 2002 & 2018, when they played quarterfinal. In 1990, 1996, 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, 2023 India lost in Group Stage.
India U17 Starting XI:
Rajrup Sarkar, Shubham Poonia, Korou Meitei Konthoujam, Dallalmuon Gangte, Mukundo Singh Ningthoujam, Lawmsangzuala, Lesvin Rebelo, Md Aimaan Bin, Heeranganba Seram, Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam, Denny Singh Wangkhem
Picture Courtesy: AIFF Media
