Indomitable india

AFC U17 Asian Cup: Dallalmuon Gangte and Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam scored a goal each as India came from behind to defeat Iran 2-1 in the last Group D match at the EKA Arena in Ahmedabad, and sealed qualification for the AFC U-17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026, thus marking their 10th appearance in the tournament’s history.

The full-time whistle had barely left the referee’s lips when the Indian dugout emptied in a surge of euphoria. Players sprinted across the pitch, substitutes and staff joining those who had fought for every inch in the Ahmedabad evening. There were tears, embraces, fists raised to the sky. The Blue Colts had achieved what looked, for long stretches of the match, almost impossible.

Iran, with seven points, entered the match as favourites, unbeaten and needing only a draw to progress. India, on four points, needed nothing less than a win.