India U17 vs Palestine U17 Player Ratings: Azlaan, Gunleiba impress; Blue Colts drop two points

Two points dropped rather than one point earned for the young Blue Colts!

India U17 and Palestine U17 began their AFC U17 Asian Cup Qualifiers campaign with an evening start at the EKA Arena in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Bibiano Fernandes‘ Blue Colts led at halftime, but Palestine U-17 equalised in the second half to rescue a draw.

Shubam Poonia went from hero to villain as he gave India the lead with a header, then gave up the ball for Palestine’s equaliser. With only the group winners eligible for qualifying for the final competition, it was two points dropped rather than one point earned for the hosts, India.

There goes the final whistle! Bibiano Fernandes' India U17 team settle for a 1-1 draw against Palestine in their AFC U17 Asian Cup Qualifiers opener! #IndianFootball #indianfootballteam #BlueColts pic.twitter.com/npqjS1uwJa

— Khel Now (@KhelNow) November 22, 2025

India U17 Player Ratings-

Rajrup Sarkar – 7/10

Rajrup Sarkar had a hectic night in goal, with the Palestinians constantly challenging him with corners and long-range efforts. Looked very confident with his punching and high catches from set plays and appeared to be efficient when called upon. There wasn’t much he could have done about the goal he gave up.

Mohammad Aimaan Bin – 6/10

Aimaan performed his defensive duties quite well, although he didn’t participate much in the game going forward. He was called into action a few times, and his diving tackles and interceptions were up to par. Early on, there were a few passing challenges, but overall it was a good game.

Shubham Poonia – 7/10

Shubham had a mixed night, giving the Blue Colts the lead with a spectacular header late in the first half but allowing Palestine to equalize. He was fantastic defensively, frequently stepping into midfield to win the ball back quickly and reclaim control. His long passes from the back were a constant menace to opposing defenders.

Korou Meitei – 6/10

A quiet first half, but was frequently called upon to play in the second period as Palestine U-17 committed more and more players upfront in pursuit of an equalizer.

Instead of creating room for the attacker for the Palestine equalizer, he could have jumped in early and tackled. Overall, Korou performed well by employing a risk-free, no-nonsense strategy at the back.

Lawmsangzuala – 6/10

Zuala was a live wire on the left side, dashing up and down throughout the game. He produced a handful of vital blocks and interceptions in the first half. Kept the opposition winger quiet and accomplished his duty as a left-back.

Denny Singh – 7/10

Denny’s maturity in the middle of the park at the age of sixteen was quite astounding. Lying deep in the midfield, he anchored the game brilliantly, and his ball control was outstanding. The other two midfielders had greater leeway to participate in the attack because of their role. Faded away as the game progressed and exhibited indications of fatigue.

Diamond Singh – 5/10

Diamond, while not as influential as Denny, was a constant threat to opposing defenders with his relentless press. Diamond’s hunger in the center of the park was essential in disrupting Palestine’s build-up strategy. Mukundo came in to replace him at the hour mark. Good game, though Diamond could have done better.

Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam – 7/10

By far the most threatening player on the pitch for the Indian U-17 team. Started as a left-winger and then shifted to the other wing; nevertheless, both opposition full-backs were left dancing for his dribbles.

Gunleiba created plenty of chances in the final third and won a few crucial free kicks with his excellent first touch and fluid movement. His corners towards the far post were equally difficult. A complete package and a man of the match candidate.

Dallalmuon Gangte – 5/10

The Indian skipper was not at his best today, and he would be the first to admit it. He looked well with his one-two passes and free kicks, but he played poorly overall. He had two excellent chances in each half and should have scored at least one of them.

Azlaan Shah – 7/10

Started as a right winger but eventually switched flanks with Gunleiba to the left since he was more productive from there.

It was his delivery from the set-piece that Shubham headed into the back of the goal to give the lead. He was really threatening in the second half with his runs, but he was unable to convert them into goals.

Heeranganba Seram – 5/10

A quiet first half, with the three forwards around him taking their fair share of the shots. He had a great chance to score from Azlaan’s cross early in the second half, but his shot went right into the palms of the opposing goalie. Rahan Ahmed took his spot at the hour mark.

Substitutes:

Rahan Ahmed – 4/10

Came in for the final thirty minutes of the game, replacing Heeranganba Seram as the striker. Rehan got a perfect one-on-one opportunity with the opposing keeper to give India all three points, but he fumbled, costing India two important points.

Mukundo Singh – 5/10

Replaced Diamond Singh at the hour mark and performed his duties in the middle of the park. He was unable to produce any fantastic passes or individual brilliance to justify his starting spot in the next game.

Lesvin Rebello – 5/10

In search of a potential winner, Bibiano introduced Lesvin as an additional striker in the closing three minutes of the game, but he did not have enough time to make an impact.

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