India U17 eye big win against Lebanon U17 before taking on mighty Iran in AFC U17 Asian Cup Qualifiers

Blue Colts are coming off a 3-1 win over Chinese Taipei.

Ahmedabad is set to host the penultimate matchweek fixture of the AFC U17 Asian Cup Qualifier as India U17 will face Lebanon, in what could be a thrilling spectacle. India U17 are coming after a 3-1 win over Chinese Taipei, after captain Gangte’s hat-trick sealed the fate of the game.

Despite conceding an early goal, the Blue Colts didn’t lose hope. It was a must-win game for India, who were coming after a draw against Palestine in the opening clash. As the match progressed, India emerged as the better team on the pitch and clinched their first win of the campaign.

All eyes will be on the next game as the India U17 team hopes for a big win against Lebanon to cement their place at the top.

The Stakes

India U17

Bibiano Fernandes‘ men have had a brilliant campaign so far, scoring four and conceding twice in the first two games. The next two games shall decide the fate of the U17 team and also offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to represent the nation at such a big stage at such a young age.

Bibiano will most likely stick to his previous lineup. India are one of the only two teams to win a game from Group D. They are jointly sitting atop Group D alongside Iran, and a win in the next game will give the Blue Colts a big morale boost.

Lebanon U17

It is now or never for Lebanon. They are also one of the unbeaten teams in Group D and have drawn all their first 3 games. They are ranked third in Group D with three points, and they must win their next game against the hosts to have a shot at qualification.

Lebanon U17 showed great courage in the previous game and held a strong Iranian team to a 1-1 draw. Conceding early goals is a major problem for Lebanon, and they also need to address their attacking issues, as their goals-per-game ratio is less than one after three games.

Teams News

India and Lebanon will play the AFC U17 Asian Cup Qualifiers match with their full-strength squad.

Player to watch out for

Dallalmuon Gangte

The India U-17 captain had a lacklustre start to the Asian Cup qualifier campaign after a mediocre display of football against Palestine in the first game. But the 15-year-old lad from Manipur led from the front in the must-win game against Chinese Taipei.

He was a dominating force in the midfield and went on to score a hat-trick with some awe-inspiring strikes. His heroics sealed the fate of the game as India U17 went on to beat Chinese Taipei in the previous game. Bibiano would be expecting the captain to be at his optimal best when the team needs him the most.

Predicted Lineup

India U17

Manashjyoti Baruah, Denny Singh Wangkhem, Mukundo Singh Ningthoujam, Shubham Poonia, Korou Meitei, Thonggoumang Touthang, Rahan Ahmed, Dallalmuon Gangte, Md Aimaan, Lesvin Rebelo, Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam.

When and where to watch the AFC U17 Asian Cup Qualifiers?

The India U17 vs Lebanon U17 match will kick off on November 28, 2025, at 7:30 PM IST and will be live-streamed on FIFA+.

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