India U17 Men's Team Aims for Victory Against Chinese Taipei in AFC Qualifiers

The India U17 men's football team is gearing up for a vital match against Chinese Taipei in the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026 Qualifiers. After a 1-1 draw with Palestine, the team is focused on securing their first win. Coach Bibiano Fernandes emphasizes the importance of confidence and responsibility as the players prepare for this crucial encounter. With the group standings tight, every match counts, making this fixture significant for both teams. Read on to discover more about the team's preparations and strategies ahead of the game.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 26, 2025, 10:47 IST

India's Quest for First Win

The India U17 men's football team is set to pursue their inaugural victory in the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026 Qualifiers. They will face Chinese Taipei on Wednesday at the EKA Arena in Ahmedabad. The Blue Colts kicked off their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Palestine on Saturday. Despite dominating possession for significant portions of the match, they were unable to secure a win. Shubham Poonia's header in the first half gave India an early lead, but a late equalizer from Palestine meant the teams shared points on the opening day.

Coach's Insights on Team Development

As they prepare for their next match, head coach Bibiano Fernandes expressed confidence in the team's recovery and focus. He emphasized the importance of playing with both confidence and responsibility. "A draw doesn't alter our ambitions. We want the players to take calculated risks, express themselves, and maintain composure during challenging moments. The key is to learn and grow from each game," he stated.

Match Importance and Group Status

India has enjoyed three days of rest leading up to this match, as they were the only team not in action during Monday's second matchday. Chinese Taipei suffered a heavy 0-5 loss to IR Iran, while Palestine and Lebanon played to a 1-1 draw. Coach Fernandes noted, "Having a longer break is beneficial. It allowed us to recover, address minor details, and prepare more effectively. The players appear fresh, enabling us to demand higher intensity. However, selection will depend on who fits our strategy and performs well in training."

Chinese Taipei will be looking to bounce back after their defeat and had previously secured a point with a goalless draw against Lebanon, demonstrating defensive discipline by not conceding a goal in their first 135 minutes of the qualifiers.

Group D remains competitive after two matchdays, with IR Iran leading the table as the only team with a win. Palestine and Lebanon each have two points, while India and Chinese Taipei have one point each. With only the group winners advancing to the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026, the upcoming match is crucial for both teams.

Tactical Preparations

"We have focused on refining our ball movement and positioning between the lines to provide clarity for the players to find solutions on the field. The main strategy remains: stay patient and sharp," Fernandes concluded.