India U17 vs Iran U17: Gangte's penalty, Gunleiba's goal & other talking points from AFC U17 Asian Cup Qualifier
India U17 secured their AFC U17 Asian Cup qualification by winning the group decider match against Iran.
The Blue Colts had their final group-stage fixture today, on November 30, 2025, at the EKA Arena in Ahmedabad.
With the qualification for the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026 on the line, the Blue Colts needed nothing but a victory to advance, while Iran required only a draw to secure their place at the top of the group.
The Stakes were high for both teams as a tightly contested encounter awaited them, and the match did not disappoint the audience. The nail-biting fixture saw both teams fighting for control and creating moments of pressure throughout the ninety minutes.
Iran took an early lead
India began the match on shaky footing, with a few early defensive lapses exposing gaps at the back. Goalkeeper Rajrup Sarkar also seemed unsettled in the first half.
In the 18th minute, Valipoor took advantage of India’s loose marking and finished confidently, giving Iran the lead. The early goal shifted the momentum in Iran’s favour.
Dallalmuon Gangte’s penalty
India found a lifeline late in the first half when they were awarded a penalty in the 44th minute. Captain Dallalmuon Gangte was immediately brought on to take the shot from the spot. Gangte stepped up and calmly slotted the ball past the Iranian goalkeeper, bringing India level just before halftime.
Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam scores the second goal
India came out for the second half, pushing forward constantly from the very first minute. Their attack paid off quickly. In the 51st minute, Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam produced a brilliant finish, capitalising on India’s early pressure to put the Blue Colts ahead. His well-taken goal not only proved his sharpness in the final third but also gave India the crucial lead they needed.
An improved defence in the second half
Once India took the lead, the Blue Colts tightened their backline and looked far stronger at the back. Rajrup Sarkar, who had a shaky start, produced several important saves to keep Iran at bay. His improved reflexes and positioning were crucial in maintaining India’s advantage.
Bibiano Fernandez’s boys held firm through the closing stages and successfully defended their narrow lead until the final whistle, securing a hard-fought and well-deserved victory.
India topped Group D and qualified for the Asian Cup
This crucial win moved India straight to the top of the group standings. Most importantly, the result confirmed their qualification for the AFC Asian Cup 2026, marking a major achievement for this young squad as well as Indian football
Who won the India U17 vs Iran U17 match?
The India U17 team created history in Ahmedabad by defeating Iran 2-1.
Have India U17 qualified for the AFC U17 Asian Cup?
Yes, India U17 have qualified for the AFC U17 Asian Cup by defeating Iran.
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Balancing her medical studies with a strong passion for Indian football, Preethi has been a dedicated follower of the sport. Her speciality is covering and discovering stories, talking to players, conducting their interviews, and drafting articles. She particularly covers Hyderabad FC and other stories from the ISL and I-League.