India U17 vs Iran U17 Player Ratings: Gangte, Gunleiba shine as Blue Colts etch history to qualify for AFC U17 Asian Cup
The India U17 team created history in Ahmedabad.
After a heartbreaking blow against Lebanon, the India U17 football team scripted a famous 2-1 victory, beating the Iran U17 football Team at the EKA Arena, Ahmedabad.
With this win, the Blue Colts secured their place in the AFC U17 Asian Cup and have dethroned Iran from the top of the table on a head-to-head basis. In the early minutes, Amirreza was quick enough to capitalise on a defensive lapse from Korou and went on to break the deadlock, providing the visiting side with the vital lead.
After a series of desperate attempts from the Blue Colts to pull back a goal, Heeranganba forced errors from the opponents and won a penalty. Captain Gangte stepped up to take the penalty, which he whacked into the right to bring the score back to square.
In the second half, Gunleiba made a run from the left and took a shot at goal, which, after a deflection, found the back of the net, providing the Blue Colts with the crucial advantage.
Later, despite the opponents’ desperate attempts to find the equaliser, they finally had to succumb to the impenetrable Indian defensive unit. At full time, the Blue Colts registered a dominating 2-1 victory, which would be remembered for generations, to qualify for the AFC U17 Cup.
Here are the player ratings for Blue Colts for the game against Iran in the AFC U17 Qualifiers Campaign.
India U17 Player Ratings-
Rajrup Sarkar – 8/10
Rajrup held his strong hands and made good use of his physique during the opponent’s set pieces. Though the keeper couldn’t have done much to prevent Iran’s first goal, he later stood very alert and denied every attempt of the visitors to breach the goal.
Demonstrated some good reflexes, stretched to the extremes and even made some point-blank saves whenever he was tested with screamers.
In the final minutes of the game, when Iran went on all-out offence, testing the keeper in every way possible, Rajrup stood rock solid. The keeper was worth every penny between the sticks and was arguably one of the best players for the Blue Colts in the match.
Md Aimaan Bin – 7.5/10
Aimaan ​​kept a close eye on the opponents and performed well to execute some good clearances and blocks. He made some good tackles and stood as a strong block, preventing the Iranian striker from entering the final third.
Combined well with his fellow defenders and ensured that they vacated no space for the visiting side to capitalise.
Lawmsangzuala – 6.5/10
Was decent in the backline. Stood impenetrable and tall with everything possible to ensure that the Blue Colts did not concede further. Whenever the opponents fought with intensity as the clock ticked, Lawmsangzuala remained composed, communicated well and silenced the Iranian players.
Korou Meitei – 6/10
Korou misjudged the ball in the final third, giving Amirreza space to advance and score the first goal of the match, giving the visitors the advantage. Later, the player regrouped and did well with his teammates to prevent Iran from scoring further.
Shubham Poonia – 7/10
Shubham was decent during the first half, making his share of blocks and interceptions. However, after the Blue Colts took the 2-1 lead, he came into full vigour, making some thumping clearances during the opponent’s offensive initiatives. Played his heart out and had a significant share in the historic win.
Dallalmuon Gangte – 7/10
Gangte stepped up for the Blue Colts when it mattered the most. Remained composed, sent the keeper the wrong way and whacked the ball to the right to bring the scores back to parity and shift the momentum to the hosts just ahead of the break. This goal provided India with the confidence that paved the way for scoring the second goal and clinching the win.
Mukundo Singh – 6.5/10
Mukundo delivered some accurate crosses and made good use of set-pieces to put pressure on the opposition throughout the match. He outmuscled opponents on multiple occasions to dispossess them and win duels.
Wangkhem Denny Singh – 6.5/10
Denny was decent in the midfield, as he read the opponent’s moves excellently and stood as a block to them. Displayed good awareness and was excellent in decision-making. Ventured deep into the final third and the defensive third whenever the team needed his presence. Overall, Denny had a commendable all-round performance.
Lesvin Rebelo – 7/10
Lesvin was very active throughout the minutes played and covered almost every blade of grass in the opponent’s box. Had the pace, controlled the ball efficiently.
Held possession and was good with distributions. Played a significant role in mounting pressure on the Iranian players, which led to them committing some unwanted errors.
Heeranganba Seram – 7/10
The forward was not having his best hour on the pitch during the first half. However, in the dying minutes, when it felt like Iran would walk into the tunnel with their lead at break, Heeranganba provided the Blue Colts with the ideal contribution. The forward tried to squeeze past the defenders in the final third, which forced the opponents to commit an error and award India a penalty, which Gangte netted.
Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam – 7.5/10
Gunlieba displayed some decent acceleration and was pretty active on the right flank during the first half, trying to build momentum for the Blue Colts.
In the second half, the striker switched to the left and took a shot at goal, which, after a slight deflection from the Iranian defender, found its way to the back of the net. This provided India with the much-needed advantage and laid the foundation for the historic win.
Substitutes-
Diamond Singh – 7/10
Diamond stood as a wall and made some good blocks when Iran fired back-to-back shots in the final moments of the game, in desperation for the equaliser.
Azlaan Shan – 6/10
Azlaan was brought in to inject the attacking intent, which slowly diminished as time progressed, and he played pretty decently.
Abhishek Kumar – 7/10
Came in the final minutes of the game as a defensive reinforcement and did well in the limited time.
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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Niranjan R Prabhu is an Economics student from Kochi with an enduring passion for Indian football, especially as a devoted Kerala Blasters FC fan — a club he considers part of his life. Beyond the game, he writes on culture, Indian economic development, and sustainability, always eager to explore ideas in depth. His days are a balancing act between college, writing, and travel.