India begin their AFC U17 Asian Cup Qualifiers 2026 campaign with a high-stakes opening clash against Palestine, India U17 vs Palestine U17, on 22 November 2025 in Ahmedabad, a match that could define both teams’ fortunes in what is one of the most competitive groups in this qualification cycle.
With only the group winner earning a direct ticket to next year’s continental finals in Saudi Arabia, the margin for error is minimal. In a five-team group featuring Iran, Lebanon, Chinese Taipei and Palestine, India’s opener is effectively a must-win.
India come into the qualifiers with continuity, cohesion and confidence three critical pillars for youth football success. Under head coach Bibiano Fernandes, the U17 side has had an extended and structured preparation programme that included the SAFF U17 Championship, a two-match exposure tour in China, and nearly three weeks of acclimatization in Ahmedabad. Few teams at this level enjoy this level of stability before a major qualifier, and India’s planning is geared toward mitigating the demands of a tournament where teams play four matches in eight days.
Palestine, however, present a very different challenge one built not on structure, but on individual talent. Their squad features a large contingent of players based in Europe, the United States and the Gulf, making them one of the technically strongest yet tactically least predictable sides in the group. This contrast India’s collective order against Palestine’s individual flair forms the narrative backbone of this fixture.
India’s Momentum and Structure
India enter the qualifiers having lifted the SAFF U17 Championship 2025, winning matches against Maldives (6-0), Pakistan (3-2), Nepal (3-0) and a tense final against Bangladesh decided on penalties. More than the results, the tournament allowed the squad to develop an identity one rooted in organized pressing, controlled possession, and efficient transitions.
Captain Dallalmuon Gangte, the top scorer in the SAFF campaign, anchors the midfield and sets the tempo. In attack, Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam has emerged as a decisive presence, scoring the winner in India’s 1-0 victory in their second friendly against China PR a crucial response after an initial 0-4 defeat. This ability to adjust tactically, shift approach and tighten structure within a short turnaround showcases the coaching staff’s flexibility and the squad’s mental resilience.
Read Articles Without Ads On Your IndiaSportsHub App. Download Now And Stay Updated
Defensively, India have steadily built a dependable core. Lawmsangzuala leads a backline that has both experience and balance, while goalkeeper Manashjyoti Baruah has grown into a confident presence, especially in command of his area during pressure moments.
Another key advantage for India is their acclimatization. The team arrived in Ahmedabad on 1 November, giving them nearly three weeks to adapt to the temperature, humidity, and ground conditions a luxury Palestine do not have. In tournaments decided by fine physical margins, this is a significant competitive edge.
Palestine’s High Ceiling, Low Cohesion Profile
Palestine U17 enter the qualifiers with ambition and an intriguing squad profile. Over 52% of the team is foreign-based, with players from youth academies such as Granada CF (Spain), Inter Miami CF (USA), Lillestrøm SK (Norway), and AC Le Havre (France). This ensures superior individual technique and modern skill development.
Their key creative force is Zayn Al-Ghazawi, a technically excellent attacking midfielder from AC Le Havre, capable of unlocking defenses with through balls and dribbles. In attack, Yazan Khalefah poses a real threat a goal-scoring forward who netted a brace against Maldives during Palestine’s preparatory camp. The team also boasts promising midfielders such as Mohammed Jamhour (Inter Miami CF Academy), who offers composure in deep build-up.
Yet, Palestine’s biggest strength is also their weakness. With players trained in different systems across different continents, forging cohesion in a short span is difficult. Their nine-day camp in Maldives helped build confidence, but it cannot replicate the demands of a competitive qualifier. Defensively, their structure remains untested against fast, coordinated attacks like India’s.
Their results in previous AFC youth qualifiers reflect this inconsistency heavy losses to Uzbekistan and Iraq, but strong wins against teams like Chinese Taipei. This makes Palestine unpredictable: capable of brilliance, but also vulnerable under sustained pressure.
Key Battles
- Gangte vs Jamhour
The midfield duel will decide control. If Gangte dominates possession and circulation, India dictate the match. - Al-Ghazawi vs India’s defensive shape
India must prevent Palestine’s playmaker from receiving between the lines. Expect Fernandes to assign close attention to him. - Khalefah vs Lawmsangzuala
Palestine’s scoring threat against India’s most reliable defender is a pivotal matchup.
Prediction
India, with superior preparation, acclimatization, and tactical cohesion, enter as favourites. Palestine have the individuals to hurt India, but sustaining structure over 90 minutes against a well-drilled, physically prepared host will be challenging.
Prediction: India U17 2–1 Palestine U17
India’s collective organization and second-half physical edge should see them through in a tense but controlled opening win.
