2025 was a defining year for the U17 Men’s Team, dominating the South Asian Football Federation U17 Championship to retain the title, facing China in two closed-door friendly matches and then qualifying for the AFC U17 Asian Cup.
The year showed the team’s overall growth and tactical resilience. The spirited performances highlighted that the team is ready for the challenges ahead with several players stepping up in crucial moments, showing the readiness of India’s youth players to compete in the continental stage.
Dominating Campaign in the SAFF U17 Championship 2025
India began their SAFF U17 Championship campaign in emphatic fashion with a 6-0 victory over Maldives, setting the tone for the tournament. Taking a 2-0 lead by half-time, the Indian side displayed clinical finishing, maintained possession and pressed high. The second half saw India extend their lead further and underlining their intent to retain the title. Dallalmuon Gangte scored a brace with goals in both halves.
The following match against Bhutan was a closely fought contest as India secured a narrow 1-0 win. Substitute Rahan Ahmed scored the goal in the 57th minute. The Indian U17s showed defensive discipline, sealed the three points to maintain their perfect start and qualified for the semi-finals after two matches.
India then faced rivals Pakistan in the last group stage encounter. The first half was competitive with both teams scoring one goal. India responded strongly in the second half to emerge victorious. The match ended in a 3-2 victory for the Blue Colts with Rahan Ahmed scoring the winner in the 73rd minute.
In the semi-final against Nepal, India produced another dominant display, winning 3-0 after a goalless first half. A lack of clinical finishing prevented the Blue Colts from taking the lead going into the break. Wangkheirakpam Gunleiba opened the scoring in the 61st minute, Azlaan Shah and Diamond Singh Thokchom were the other scorers. The Indian team maintained tactical discipline, breaking through in the second half with improved attacking precision.
The final saw India take on Bangladesh in a tense title clash. India took the lead through an early goal from Dallalmuon Gangte, Bangladesh equalised midway through the first half. The Blue Colts were leading as Azlaan Shah scored in the 38th minute, Bangladesh again equalised in the last minute to send the match into a penalty shootout. Clinical finishing and key saves from the goalkeeper sealed a 4-2 triumph to defend the title. This victory secured India’s seventh SAFF U-17 title and continued their dominance in South Asia.
Valuable Exposure in Closed-door Friendly Matches against China
As part of the preparation for qualifying and competitive matches, India played two closed-door friendly matches against China at the National Football Training Centre, Xianghe on October 8 and 10.
The first match proved to be a tough outing for the Blue Colts as China registered a 4-0 win. This match tested India’s defensive structure and exposed the side to faster tempo, physical intensity and sharp transitions.
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India bounced back in the second friendly match securing a narrow 1-0 victory. Gunleiba’s second-half strike helped the visitors secure a morale-boosting victory over the East Asian side. This match showed the team’s adaptability and reflected the learnings from previous mistakes.
Road to Asia: India’s AFC U17 Asian Cup Qualification Campaign
India began their AFC U17 Asian Cup Qualifiers campaign with a 1-1 draw against Palestine. Shubham Poonia gave India the lead just before half-time in the 45th minute. Palestine responded in the 74th minute through Amir Jomah, but India remained organised and composed to secure a valuable point in a competitive opener.
In the second match against Chinese Taipei, India produced one of their best performances, winning 3-1 after conceding an early goal in the 3rd minute. 15-year-old Dallalmuon Gangte equalised in the 32nd minute as the first half saw the score level. Gangte scored again in the 77th and 79th minutes to complete his hat-trick and seal the comeback victory.
India’s third match against Lebanon proved to be a setback, as they trailed by two goals at half-time and eventually lost the match. Despite efforts to reduce the lead in the second half, Lebanon managed to claim all three points. The result did not end India’s qualification hopes, setting up a decisive final group match.
The final group stage match against Iran was a winner-takes-all match. Iran struck first through Amirreza Valipoor in the 15th minute, Dallalmuon Gangte equalised before half-time. In the second half, Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam scored the crucial winning goal sealing a famous victory under immense pressure.
India emerged as the Group D toppers with 7 points level with Iran but qualifying on a better head-to-head record, confirming qualification for the AFC U17 Asian Cup and capping off an impressive year for the young side.
2025 was a defining year for the Indian U17 Men’s team. From successfully defending the SAFF U-17 Championship to playing against tougher opposition and ultimately securing qualification for the AFC U-17 Asian Cup, the team showed maturity beyond their years.
The campaign highlighted improved tactical discipline, mental resilience, and the ability to perform in high-pressure situations, with several players stepping up at crucial moments. As India now prepares for the continental challenge ahead, the experiences gained in 2025 have laid a strong foundation.
