Gangte's hat-trick powers India to thrash Singapore in AFC U-17 Asian Cup Qualifiers

Guam are awaiting the Blue Colts for the next clash

Skipper Dallalmoun Gangte struck a brilliant hat-trick as the India U17 men’s team trounced Singapore 4-2 to get their Group E campaign off to a rousing start in the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers at the Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium in Malaysia on Wednesday, November 11, 2026.

Singapore took the lead through Izzan Farid in the 27th minute. But India equalised in the 29th through Dallalmoun Gangte, who also made it 2-1 from the penalty spot in the 61st minute. However, Farid headed home his second in the 65th minute to make it 2-2.

But Gangte completed his hat-trick in the 82nd minute as the Indians hit the front again at 3-2 before substitute Ristik Maity provided insurance cover in the 88th minute.

Both sides witnessed an eventful first half

Mehrajuddin Wadoo’s boys displayed a lot of maturity and calmness in their intention to build play. They kept the ball deep inside their own half as the defenders indulged in pushing and prodding the ball to draw the Singapore players out of their comfort zones before moving forward with swift passes.

But an error in defence, as centre-back Leo Thongbam delayed his clearance, allowed Singapore striker Farid to snatch the ball and place it home from close to give the island nation the lead in the 27th minute.

The Blue Colts were not unduly perturbed and attacked with renewed vigour. The response was swift as Sailex Oinam chipped into the box.

Gangte controlled it, turned past his marker and slammed a left-footer low into the near post for the equaliser just two minutes later. Gangte almost produced a repeat effort five minutes before the breather, but his placement travelled tantalisingly close to the left upright and rolled out after the skilful Kamgouhao Doungel found him free inside the box.

Lawmsangzuala, Doungel and Mukundo Singh Ningthoujam combined well to exert pressure with some well-coordinated moves. The trio of Sailex, Gangte and the speedy Md Sahir Ali also kept the attack going and gave the Singapore defence anxious moments but failed to find the net.

Singapore tried to force themselves into the game with some long passes, but the Indian defence soaked up all that was thrown at them as the teams trooped out on level terms at the breather.

Gangte’s hat-trick outclass Singapore in the first clash

The Blue Colts once again gathered forces and launched a series of attacks after the break. Mukundo twice darted into the box only to lose control. But it was not long before their efforts were rewarded.

Doungel squared into the box from the left for Hrishikesh Charan Manavathi, but he was brought down by Leo Chin Hee Caled. Referee Dan Ning of China pointed to the spot, and Gangte sent his right footer crashing into the net as the Indians once again stormed into the lead in the 61st minute.

Singapore forced the equaliser in the 65th. Saw Tian Zhi floated his corner from the right into the box, and Farid headed home undisturbed to bring his side back into the game.

Attacking without losing their composure, India made it 3-2 as substitute David Mangang Irom sold a dummy, swerved right and fired away a stiff right-footer. Goalkeeper Ilhan Rezal patted it back, but only as far as Gangte, who rammed it home in a trice to give India the lead once again in the 82nd minute.

The Indian defence soaked up the pressure and launched some quick sorties. David took from fellow substitute Raj Singh Wahengbam and sent Gangte through. The Singapore goalkeeper blocked the Indian captain’s grounded effort. As the ball ran loose, substitute Ristik Maity filled the empty net to push India onto safer shores.

India will next take on bottom-side Guam on November 14, before facing group leaders of Palestine on November 17 and hosting Malaysia on November 20. All matches will be streamed live on the FAMTV Malaysia YouTube Channel.

India U17: Maroof Shafi (GK), Lawmsangzuala, Zoramdinthara, R Lawmsangzuala (David Mangang Irom 78’), Hrishikesh Charan Manavathi (Felix Meitei Saikhom 90+5’), Mukundo Singh Ningthoujam, Md Sahir Ali (Raj Singh Wahengbam 78’), Leo Thongbam, Kamgouhao Doungel, Dallalmuon Gangte (C)(Thiyam Sambay 90+5’), Sailex Oinam

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