The India U17 men’s team secured a morale-boosting 4–2 victory over Russian club side FC Spartak Moscow in a closed-door friendly at the Fanatic Tour Serik Sport Center in Antalya, Türkiye, on Sunday.
The result marked the Blue Colts’ first win of their ongoing exposure tour, offering timely encouragement ahead of the AFC U-17 Asian Cup in May.
Coached by Bibiano Fernandes, the Indian side had endured a difficult start to the tour, suffering defeats against the Türkiye U17 national team (0–1 and 1–6) last week. Sunday’s performance, however, reflected improved organisation, sharper transitions, and greater attacking conviction elements that will be critical in Saudi Arabia later this year.
A Confident First Half
India began the contest with greater composure than in their previous outings. While the match was played behind closed doors, the tempo was competitive, with Spartak’s academy side pressing aggressively in midfield. India absorbed the early pressure and gradually settled into a rhythm, building through the flanks and looking to exploit spaces behind the Russian backline.
The breakthrough arrived in the 31st minute through Mukundo Singh Ningthoujam, who capped a well-worked move with a composed finish. The goal gave India a deserved lead and, more importantly, reinforced their belief after a challenging opening week in Türkiye.
Defensively, India looked more compact than in earlier matches, maintaining shape and closing down channels efficiently. The backline, tested in previous friendlies, showed improved communication and anticipation, limiting Spartak’s clear-cut opportunities in the first half.
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If the first half showcased control, the second demonstrated attacking intent. India doubled their advantage in the 57th minute when Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam found the net, capitalising on sustained pressure in the attacking third. Just four minutes later, Washington Singh Ngangom added a third, finishing off a swift attacking move that caught Spartak’s defence out of position.
At 3–0, India were in complete command a stark contrast to the defensive frailties displayed in their earlier fixtures. The quick succession of goals highlighted the team’s growing understanding in transition play and their willingness to take calculated risks in advanced areas.
Spartak Moscow responded in the 65th minute, pulling one back to keep the contest alive. The goal served as a reminder of the quality the Russian club possesses at youth level, and India were forced to regroup and maintain concentration.
India restored their three-goal cushion in the 82nd minute when Md Aimaan Bin struck the team’s fourth. The finish effectively put the result beyond doubt, rewarding India’s persistence and attacking enterprise. Spartak reduced the deficit from the penalty spot in the 86th minute, but the late goal did little to alter the outcome. The final whistle confirmed a 4–2 win a valuable result in the context of preparation rather than mere scoreline satisfaction.
Building Towards Saudi Arabia
The Türkiye tour forms a crucial part of India’s build-up to the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026, where they have been drawn in a challenging Group D alongside Uzbekistan, Australia, and DPR Korea. The competition will demand tactical discipline, mental resilience, and the ability to capitalise on limited chances.
Sunday’s victory offered encouraging signs. India demonstrated improved defensive balance, sharper finishing, and a better grasp of game management areas that were exposed in earlier defeats. For a young squad transitioning from domestic camps to international competition, such incremental improvements are significant.
Exposure to varied playing styles from Türkiye’s structured national setup to Spartak Moscow’s academy system provides invaluable learning experiences. Matches like these test adaptability and composure under pressure, qualities essential at continental level.
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While friendly results are secondary to development objectives, confidence remains a vital ingredient in youth football. This 4–2 triumph gives the Blue Colts tangible proof of progress and a foundation to build upon in the weeks ahead. With the Asian Cup on the horizon, India’s U17 side will look to carry forward the lessons from Antalya tightening defensive coordination, sustaining attacking momentum, and maintaining intensity across 90 minutes.
The journey to Saudi Arabia is still unfolding, but Sunday’s performance suggests the team is steadily moving in the right direction.
