India U17 men’s national team began their preparation for the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026 with a positive result, defeating Myanmar U17 2–1 in an international friendly at the Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon on Tuesday.
Early goals from Washington Singh Ngangom (11’) and Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam (24’) gave the Blue Colts a comfortable first-half advantage. Myanmar pulled one back in the second half through Myint Myat Ko Ko (54’), but India managed to hold firm and secure the win. The match served as the first of two scheduled friendlies between the two sides, with the next encounter set to take place on March 5, as both teams continue their preparations for the upcoming continental tournament.
Fast Start from the Blue Colts
India began the match with clear attacking intent, relying on quick transitions and counter-attacks to stretch the Myanmar defence. The strategy paid off early, particularly through the pace and creativity of winger Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam on the left flank.
The breakthrough came in the 11th minute following a swift counter-attacking move. Gunleiba surged forward down the left wing and delivered a precise pass into the centre of the box. Washington Singh Ngangom, timing his run perfectly, found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper and calmly slotted the ball into the near post to give India an early lead.
The goal set the tone for India’s attacking approach, with the Blue Colts continuing to exploit spaces behind Myanmar’s defensive line.
Gunleiba Doubles India’s Advantage
India extended their lead in the 24th minute, once again through a well-executed attacking move.
This time, captain Dallalmoun Gangte played a decisive role, delivering a perfectly weighted through ball that released Gunleiba behind the Myanmar defence. The winger showed excellent composure despite the tight angle, firing a sharp shot that beat the goalkeeper and nestled into the side-netting. Having assisted the opening goal, Gunleiba’s strike capped an impressive individual performance and gave India a commanding 2–0 advantage midway through the first half.
The Blue Colts looked confident and organised during the remainder of the half, managing the tempo of the game and restricting Myanmar’s attacking opportunities.
Myanmar Fight Back After the Break
The hosts emerged from the interval with renewed determination and began pushing forward in search of a way back into the contest. Myanmar’s increased attacking pressure eventually yielded results in the 54th minute, though it came from a set-piece situation.
Captain Ant Htoo Paing delivered a long-range free-kick into the Indian penalty area. The ball caused confusion inside the box before Myint Myat Ko Ko rose highest to head it into the net, reducing the deficit to 2–1.
The goal injected fresh energy into the home side and briefly shifted momentum in their favour.
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With Myanmar gaining confidence, the remainder of the match turned into a test of India’s defensive resilience.
The Blue Colts were forced to absorb pressure as Myanmar attempted to level the scoreline through sustained attacking phases. However, India’s backline remained composed, maintaining shape and discipline to prevent clear scoring opportunities. Goalkeeping interventions and timely defensive clearances ensured that Myanmar were unable to find an equaliser.
India’s ability to manage the closing stages reflected growing maturity within the squad, particularly in maintaining concentration under pressure.
The victory marks a positive start for India as they build towards the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026, one of the most important youth competitions in Asian football. Friendlies such as these are crucial in allowing the coaching staff to assess tactical combinations, evaluate player fitness levels, and refine team strategies before the tournament.
India’s performance in Yangon offered several encouraging signs particularly the team’s effectiveness on the counter-attack and the attacking chemistry between Washington and Gunleiba. At the same time, the second-half pressure from Myanmar highlighted areas where the team can continue improving, especially in maintaining control during defensive phases.
The two teams will face each other again on March 5, providing India with another opportunity to test their tactical approach and squad depth. Such back-to-back matches are valuable for youth teams as they allow players to adapt quickly, make adjustments, and gain experience in international match environments.
For the Blue Colts, the focus will now shift toward maintaining consistency and building on the positives from the opening encounter.
Promising Signs for the Future
India’s 2–1 win in Yangon represents more than just a friendly victory. It is part of a broader effort to strengthen the country’s youth football pipeline and prepare young players for the demands of international competition. With promising talents like Washington Singh Ngangom and Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam stepping up in key moments, the future of Indian football continues to show encouraging signs.
As preparations intensify for the AFC U17 Asian Cup later this year, performances like this will provide the Blue Colts with confidence and momentum heading into the continental stage.
