Lebanon ease past India, Blue Colts to face Iran in decider for place in AFC U17 Asian Cup Qualifiers
India drop to third position in Group D.
India U17 slipped to a 0-2 loss against an organised and disciplined Lebanon side in their penultimate Group D clash of the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026 Qualifiers at the EKA Arena in Ahmedabad on Friday, November 28, 2026.
Despite India suffering their first defeat of the Qualifiers, Bibiano Fernandes’ boys remain alive in the qualification race, and will face group leaders IR Iran in a do-or-die contest on Sunday, knowing only victory will secure their passage to the AFC U17 Asian Cup for the 10th time in history.
IR Iran, who defeated Palestine 3-1 earlier in the day, have seven points from three games. Lebanon are second with six points but have played all four of their games and are out of the qualification race.
India have four points and are in third spot, but can pip IR Iran for top spot (on the basis of a better head-to-head record) should they win against them.
Still winless after three matches, Palestine and Chinese Taipei have also been eliminated, leaving only IR Iran and India to battle for the lone qualification spot on the final matchday.
Against India on Friday, Lebanon scored twice in the first half through Antoine Assaf (26th minute) and Paul Maakaroun (38th), and the Blue Colts ended the match with 10 men after Thonggoumang Touthang was sent off in second-half stoppage time.
Lebanon take early lead
India came into the match high on confidence after their 3-1 win over Chinese Taipei, but Lebanon were in no mood to allow them control. The visitors pressed with intensity and exploited gaps in India’s shape, asking far more questions than either of India’s earlier opponents.
Their breakthrough arrived in the 26th minute and owed much to Indian hesitancy. A lapse on the left allowed Anthony Chahine to drive forward and square the ball into the box, where Antoine Assaf found himself unmarked. Assaf’s first touch opened up the angle, and he curled a superb left-footed strike into the top corner, giving India goalkeeper Rajrup Sarkar absolutely no chance.
India almost responded immediately, with Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam bursting through the midfield on goal, but his effort was smothered smartly by Lebanon’s alert goalkeeper Jason Finianos.
Also Read: India U17 vs Lebanon U17 Highlights: Follow AFC U17 Asian Cup Qualifiers Replay
Double delight for Lebanon
Lebanon, though, continued to dictate tempo and doubled their advantage in the 38th minute. Abbas Zreik surged in from the left and cut the ball back for Paul Maakaroun, who struck a firm effort that took a decisive deflection off Shubham Poonia before wrong-footing Sarkar and nestling into the net.
Trailing 0-2, India faced an uphill battle. The second half brought more endeavour but little penetration. Lebanon defended with discipline and compactness, and India’s attacks often fizzled out in the final third. A few half-chances came and went, but the outcome never truly felt in doubt.
To compound India’s frustration, Touthang was shown a red card in stoppage time after losing his composure, ending the evening on a sour note.
Who scored the goals for Lebanon?
Paul Maakaroun and Antoine Assaf scored the goals for Lebanon.
Where are the Blue Colts in the Group D points table?
The hosts are third in the Group D points table with 4 points.
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Navtej is all about narrating stories of human endeavour shaped by sporting excellence, from 22 yards to lush green pitches and buzzing arenas. With a background in broadcasting, he has a keen eye for compelling narratives that keep readers hooked. He primarily covers football and cricket, capturing the magic of two of the world’s most beloved sports.