Top three best performers for India U17 in AFC U17 Asian Cup Qualifiers

India U17 team beat Iran 2-1 to qualify for the AFC U17 Asian Cup.

India’s crucial clash against Iran at the EKA Arena in Ahmedabad on November 30, 2025, turned out to be one of the most intense matches of their qualifying campaign.

India U17 needed a win to stay afloat, and Iran only needed a draw, so they applied pressure right from kickoff. The game moved at a fast pace, with both teams battling hard for control and creating moments that kept the crowd on edge throughout the ninety minutes.

India had to recover from an early setback, show composure in key moments, and defend with discipline once they took the lead. The match was full of momentum shifts, crucial saves and goals that decided the outcome.

India’s resilience and improved second-half performance helped them secure a result that pushed them to the top of the table. Here are the top 3 performers of the AFC U17 Asian Cup Qualifiers campaign.

3. Azlaan Shah

Azlaan Shah has emerged as one of the most technically gifted players in this India U17 side, and many people in the audience see flashes of Sahal Abdul Samad in the way he plays. Whether he’s gliding past opposition players, creating passes between lines, or carrying the ball into dangerous areas, Azlaan has shown a level of composure and creativity

Throughout the campaign, whenever he was introduced into the team, he controlled the momentum, linked the midfield with the attack, and consistently created chances for his teammates. His ability to run forward and make quick decisions has benefited India’s attack.

While he has been unlucky not to score despite several well-struck attempts on target, his contributions have been crucial in building India’s attacking momentum.

2. Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam

Gunleiba has been one of India’s hardest-working and consistent performers throughout the qualifiers. His impact was evident in the match against Palestine, where he continued to create chances even when the team was struggling for momentum.

He also provided a nice assist against Chinese Taipei, showing his ability to help his teammates in the final third.

Even in the tough game against Lebanon, he continued to push forward, attempting to create chances despite India not getting the final result that they needed. All that effort finally paid off in the biggest moment of the campaign when he scored a crucial goal against a strong Iran side.

Whether it’s linking play, carrying the ball forward, or taking shots himself, Gunleiba has been at the heart of India’s creativity.

1. Dallalmuon Gangte

Captain Dallalmuon Gangte has been at the centre of India’s attacking throughout this entire campaign, delivering impact in almost every match.

He worked to create chances and drive the team forward even when the game was slipping out of India’s hands against Palestine. He followed that up with a standout performance against Chinese Taipei, where he scored a brilliant hat-trick.

In the Lebanon match, he once again showed his influence by constantly pushing into dangerous areas and trying to create openings despite India struggling to convert. When the pressure was at its absolute peak against Iran, he stepped up with complete composure, converting a crucial penalty to bring India level right before halftime.

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