India's U17 football team secured a dramatic 2-1 victory against Iran in their final Group D match of the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers on November 30, 2025, at EKA Arena in Ahmedabad, clinching the top
spot and direct qualification to the finals in Saudi Arabia.
Coach Bibiano Fernandes' Blue Colts entered the must-win clash third in the group with four points from a 1-1 draw against Palestine, a 3-1 win over Chinese Taipei, and a loss to Lebanon.
Iran struck first in the 18th minute through Amirreza Valipoor's low left-footed finish after a precise build-up exposed India's defense. India leveled just before halftime in stoppage time via captain Dallalmuon Gangte's composed penalty, awarded after Heeranganba Seram's run was halted in the box. The decisive moment arrived in the 51st minute when Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam capitalized on an Iranian error to rifle home a left-footed winner, mimicking Lionel Messi's celebration.
Goalkeeper Rajrup Sarkar proved heroic, denying Iran's captain Mahan Beheshti from a curling free-kick and surviving intense late pressure with punches and claims during five added minutes. Defenders like Lawmsangzuala, Shubham Poonia, and Meitei Konthoujam delivered crucial blocks amid Iran's onslaught. Substitutes Diamond Singh Thokchom, Azlaan Shah, and Abhishek Kumar bolstered the rearguard.
Group D Standings and Path Forward
India topped Group D ahead of unbeaten Iran, with Palestine's 3-1 win over Chinese Taipei confirming the Blue Colts' qualification. The finals run from May 7-24, 2026, marking a significant milestone for Indian youth football amid growing depth in the system.
This young Indian team, amidst its recent blues, has brought in certain hopes back among the fraternity. Although Asian Cup will be another big challenge, the colts have taken a gigantic step forward by qualifying for the continental competition.
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