The India U17 men’s football team wrapped up their two-match friendly series against China PR U17 with a spirited 1–0 victory in the second encounter at the National Football Training Centre in Xianghe on Friday, October 10.
The result came as a strong response to their 0–4 defeat in the first game earlier in the week, showcasing the team’s ability to adapt, learn, and bounce back quickly under pressure. It was Wangkheirakpam Gunleiba who delivered the decisive moment of brilliance in the 75th minute, slotting home the only goal of the game after a neat assist from Diamond Singh. The strike not only handed India a morale-boosting win but also reflected the team’s growing maturity and discipline as they continue their preparations for the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers, scheduled for November in Ahmedabad.
From Setback to Statement: A Tale of Two Matches
The two fixtures against China PR were designed to test India’s readiness against quality opposition. In the opening match on Wednesday, the Blue Colts were handed a tough lesson in intensity and decision-making, going down 0–4 to a technically sharp Chinese side. China dominated possession, capitalized on defensive lapses, and controlled the tempo for large stretches of the game.
That defeat, however, became the turning point. Rather than being demoralized, Bibiano Fernandes’ squad treated the loss as a learning opportunity. In the second match, India demonstrated clear tactical evolution pressing with coordination, maintaining compact defensive lines, and showing greater composure in transitions. The young side looked far more organized, limiting China’s space in midfield and denying them the freedom they enjoyed in the first fixture.
The result was a disciplined and balanced performance, capped by Gunleiba’s clinical finish in the final quarter of play. It was a victory earned through patience, structure, and belief qualities Fernandes has emphasized in his developmental philosophy over the past few years.
Gunleiba’s Moment of Glory
The star of the evening was undoubtedly Gunleiba, whose late goal sealed India’s comeback story in Xianghe. The forward showed excellent movement off the ball, timing his run perfectly to meet Diamond Singh’s assist and finish with composure past the Chinese goalkeeper. Gunleiba’s strike was symbolic of India’s overall improvement between the two games more coordinated attacks, better use of width, and a willingness to take calculated risks in the final third. For the Manipur-born youngster, it was a moment to remember, one that might significantly boost his confidence heading into the crucial AFC U17 Asian Cup Qualifiers next month.
The victory was not just about the scoreline; it was a demonstration of tactical growth. India’s defensive unit, which looked uncertain in the first game, held firm this time, neutralizing China’s pace and physicality. The midfield duo maintained tighter lines, cutting off passing lanes and reducing turnovers in dangerous areas. Bibiano Fernandes deserves credit for his in-game management. By reinforcing defensive discipline and adjusting the team’s pressing shape, he allowed India to stay compact and absorb pressure effectively. The side’s transitions looked sharper, and there was visible improvement in communication a critical element at the youth international level.
Goalkeeper Aaryan Baisoya also had a confident outing, dealing with aerial threats and commanding his area well. The backline, led by Ishan Sharma and Mohammad Kaif, stayed composed, denying China any clear-cut chances in the second half. Overall, the match showcased how the team could execute Fernandes’ plan with greater tactical maturity after just a few days of reflection and fine-tuning.
A Valuable Learning Experience
Exposure tours like this one are integral to India’s youth development system. Competing against well-drilled Asian opponents like China helps young players understand the physical, technical, and mental demands of international football. The AFC U17 Asian Cup Qualifiers in Ahmedabad next month will bring together Asia’s most competitive youth sides, and performances like this will strengthen India’s confidence. More importantly, the players gained crucial experience in managing momentum recovering from a heavy defeat to produce a professional, winning performance in just 48 hours.
Fernandes’ team will now return to Goa for an intensive training camp before the Qualifiers. The focus will shift to refining set-piece execution, improving attacking fluency, and maintaining fitness levels. With a structured approach and growing squad cohesion, the Blue Colts aim to make a strong impression on home soil in November.
Since taking charge of India’s youth teams, Bibiano Fernandes has built a clear identity based on discipline, intelligent pressing, and technical improvement. Under his guidance, several players have graduated to higher age-group teams and the developmental pipeline leading toward the senior national setup. The win in China may not grab global headlines, but its significance lies in the process how India’s next generation responds to setbacks, learns, and competes with conviction. Such tours help bridge the gap between domestic academy structures and the demands of continental competition.
As Fernandes put it in past interviews, “Results are important, but the real victory is when players start understanding how to manage games and situations at the international level.” Friday’s win in Xianghe was precisely that a lesson learned, a response delivered, and a step forward in India’s long-term football development story.
Final Scoreline:
First Match: China PR U17 🇨🇳 4–0 India U17 🇮🇳
Second Match: China PR U17 🇨🇳 0–1 India U17 🇮🇳 (Gunleiba 75’)
The Blue Colts leave China with a win that reflects growth, adaptability, and resilience three ingredients that will define their pursuit of qualification for the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026.
