India upset Iran to qualify for AFC U-17 Asian Cup
In Ahmedabad on Sunday, India had fallen behind in the 19th minute but then fought back through Dallalmuon Gangte (45+1' penalty) and Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam (52').
New Delhi: India overturned a goal deficit to shock mighty Iran 2-1 in their final group qualifier to grab a 2026 AFC U-17 Asian Cup spot.
In Ahmedabad on Sunday, the hosts had fallen behind in the 19th minute but then fought back through Dallalmuon Gangte (45+1' penalty) and Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam (52') at the EKA Arena.
India will mark their 10th appearance in the next edition of the junior continental championship, which will be held in Saudi Arabia.
Having participated in 1990, 1996, 2002, 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, 2018, and 2023, their best performance in the competition is a quarter-final finish in 2002 and 2018.
They had entered the match needing a win to qualify, having collected four points from three previous group matches, having drawn 1-1 with Palestine, beaten Chinese Taipei 3-1 and lost to Lebanon 2-0.
Iran had entered the field with seven points and needed a draw to progress but their loss meant they finished behind India despite have the same number of points due to an inferior head-to-head count.
From kick-off it hardly looked Iran would have any trouble as they pressed with vigour and moved the ball quickly, forcing India keeper Rajrup Sarkar into two crucial saves before Amirreza Valipoor guided the ball in with his left foot after controlling it neatly.
Things turned at the stroke of half-time, as Iran couldn’t deal with a corner from the left and as the ball bobbled and bodies collided, Heeranganba Seram was brought down.
After referee pointed straight to the spot, Gangte slotted home as India gained in confidence.
They were helped by another fumble from Iran’s defender as an unmarked Wangkheirakpam capitalised on a failed clearance to drive in the match winner with his left foot and turn India’s dream into a reality.