India’s U-17 team suffered a major setback in their AFC U-17 Asian Cup Qualifiers campaign after falling 0–2 to Lebanon in Ahmedabad on Thursday evening.
The defeat not only pushed the Blue Colts down to third place in Group D but has also created a scenario where only a comprehensive victory against group leaders Iran on Sunday can keep India’s qualification hopes alive.
Lebanon, unbeaten throughout the qualifiers, closed their campaign with six points from three matches and a strong, disciplined performance that secured a deserved win. Although they cannot qualify due to group standings and goal-difference dynamics, the Lebanese side ended their tournament on a high. India, meanwhile, remain stuck on four points and now face a steep uphill task.
Lebanon Dominate Early; India Struggle to Find Rhythm
The contest opened with both teams trying to settle their shape, but Lebanon were the first to pose a real threat. In the sixth minute, they came inches away from scoring when a free-kick struck the woodwork, setting the tone for a match where they looked more decisive inside the final third.
India responded with early half-chances. Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam produced India’s first promising attempt in the eighth minute, followed by another opportunity he missed in the 18th. But while India’s moves showed glimpses of potential, they lacked the sharpness needed to break down Lebanon’s compact defensive block.
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Lebanon continued to look more assured, winning several set pieces and forcing Indian goalkeeper Rajrup Sarkar into key saves. Rajrup kept India afloat with good stops in the 39th and 81st minutes, but the pressure eventually broke the Indian defence.
Lebanon’s breakthrough came in the 26th minute. Antoine Assaf, dangerous throughout the first half, curled in a brilliant finish from a corner routine, giving his side a 1–0 lead. The goal rattled India, and Lebanon capitalised on the momentum.
Just ten minutes later, in the 36th minute, Paul Maakaroun doubled the advantage with a clean strike after India failed to clear their lines. With Lebanon leading 2–0, the Blue Colts’ defensive shape wavered, while their attacking transitions looked rushed and error-prone.
India attempted to hit back through Denny Singh, Gunleiba, and a series of free-kicks, but the execution lacked conviction. Lebanon’s defensive discipline stood out they maintained structure, won second balls, and prevented India from playing between the lines.
The first half ended with the visitors firmly in control and India needing a complete tactical rethink.
India Show Intent But Fail to Convert in the Second Half
India emerged for the second half after making attacking changes, bringing on Azlaan Shah and Mukundo Singh to inject pace and energy. They immediately earned free-kicks in the 46th and 47th minutes, but neither opportunity troubled the Lebanese goalkeeper.
The Lebanese shot-stopper received treatment early in the second half but recovered well and remained steady throughout. India continued to push forward, winning free-kicks and corners in the 55th, 62nd, 63rd, and 64th minutes. Mukundo Singh, one of India’s brighter performers, produced a few promising deliveries, while Azlaan Shah threatened with crosses and build-up play.
However, the closest India came in the second half was in the 86th minute when Mohammad Jasirkhan missed a golden chance inside the box one that could have brought India back into the contest. Instead, Lebanon held firm.
Lebanon relied on counter-attacks and controlled spells of possession, forcing India deeper and earning a succession of corners and free-kicks of their own. A strong save from Rajrup in the 81st minute kept the scoreline respectable, but India struggled to create sustained periods of danger.
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As time ran out, frustration crept into India’s play. The match turned heated in added time when substitute Touthang was shown a straight red card in the 98th minute for a reckless challenge that triggered a brief melee between the sides. It was a disappointing end to an evening when India struggled to assert themselves.
Lebanon, meanwhile, closed out the match with composure. Their defensive unit, marshalled effectively by captain Anthony Chahine, denied India any space in critical zones. Their substitutes, including Wajih Waizani and Amir Ali Ezeddine, came in during stoppage time to help see out the win.
When the final whistle was blown after six minutes of added time, Lebanon celebrated a well-earned victory to end their qualifiers unbeaten: Lebanon U17 2–0 India U17.
Qualification Scenario: India Now Face a Must-Win Task Against Iran
The loss leaves India in a precarious position. With just four points from three matches, they sit third in Group D behind Iran (7 points) and Lebanon (6 points). Iran not only top the group but also boast a far superior goal difference, which means a simple win for India on Sunday may not be enough they need a victory by a sizeable margin.
Lebanon, despite finishing with six points, are out due to group qualification rules but will leave the competition proud of their performances.
For India, Sunday’s clash against Iran has now become a do-or-die encounter. Only an extraordinary performance and a convincing win will keep their AFC U-17 Asian Cup dreams alive.
