India’s U17 team suffered their first loss in the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026 Qualifiers as Lebanon secured a 2-0 victory in their penultimate Group D clash at the EKA Arena on Friday.
Lebanon struck early in the first half through Antoine Assaf in the 26th minute and Paul Maakaroun in the 38th, leaving India chasing the game.
Despite the setback, Bibiano Fernandes’ side remains in contention for qualification and will face group leaders IR Iran on Sunday in a must-win encounter to secure a spot in the AFC U17 Asian Cup for the 10th time.
IR Iran currently top Group D with seven points from three matches after a 3-1 win over Palestine, while Lebanon, second with six points, have completed all four of their games and are already out of contention.
India sit third with four points and can still clinch top spot based on head-to-head results if they defeat Iran. Palestine and Chinese Taipei remain winless and eliminated from the group.
Against India, Lebanon dominated the first half. Assaf’s opener came after a defensive lapse, with his precise left-footed strike leaving goalkeeper Rajrup Sarkar helpless. Maakaroun doubled the lead following a cross from Abbas Zreik, with the ball deflecting off Shubham Poonia before finding the net.
India tried to respond, with Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam testing Lebanon’s goalkeeper Jason Finianos, but chances remained limited. In the second half, India’s attacks struggled to break down Lebanon’s disciplined defence. The match ended on a sour note for India as Thonggoumang Touthang received a red card in stoppage time.
India U17 XI: Rajrup Sarkar (GK), Shubham Poonia, Korou Meitei Konthoujam, Dallalmuon Gangte (C) (Mukundo Singh Ningthoujam 46′), Diamond Singh Thokchom (Jasir Khan 60′), Lawmsangzuala, Lesvin Rebelo, Md Aimaan Bin, Heeranganba Seram (Rahan Ahmed 84′), Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam (Azlaan Shah Kh 46′), Denny Singh Wangkhem (Thonggoumang Touthang 44′).
In the other Group D clash, IR Iran overcame Palestine 3-1. Adam Kafafi gave Palestine the lead in the 43rd minute, but Jafar Asadi scored twice (49’, 68’) and captain Mahan Beheshti added a third in the 72nd minute to seal victory and strengthen Iran’s hold on the group.
India will now turn their focus to Sunday’s decisive clash against IR Iran, where only a win will keep their AFC U17 Asian Cup dreams alive.
