India's U17 AFC Cup Journey Ends with Defeat to Uzbekistan
India's Disappointing Exit from AFC U17 Asian Cup
Jeddah [Saudi Arabia], May 11: The Indian U17 team faced a disappointing conclusion to their AFC U17 Asian Cup campaign in Saudi Arabia, suffering a 0-3 loss against the reigning champions, Uzbekistan, during their final Group D match held at the King Abdullah Sports City Hall Stadium on Sunday.
This defeat not only knocked the Blue Colts out of the tournament but also dashed their hopes of achieving a historic qualification for the FIFA U17 World Cup Qatar 2026, as stated in a release from the All India Football Federation (AIFF).
Uzbekistan's win secured their place in the next round, along with Australia, who will compete to decide the group leaders.
After an initial 4-0 loss to Australia, India knew they needed a win to keep their World Cup aspirations alive. They started the match cautiously, with Uzbekistan dominating possession early on and frequently testing the Indian defense with aggressive attacks and swift movements.
Despite the pressure, India managed to stay organized defensively for most of the first half. The defense held firm, and goalkeeper Rajrup Sarkar made several crucial saves to thwart the defending champions.
However, India's defense was breached in the 32nd minute due to a critical error. Sarkar rushed out to intercept an Uzbek attack but fouled Laziz Abduraimov in the penalty area. The referee awarded a penalty, which Abduraimov converted with a precise low shot into the corner.
Just before halftime, Uzbekistan nearly extended their lead when Sukhrob Sadirzhonov hit the post with a left-footed shot in the 43rd minute.
India almost equalized in stoppage time of the first half when Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam sent a promising cross across the goal, but no Indian player could finish it.
After the break, the Blue Colts displayed more attacking intent and came close to leveling the score in the 56th minute. Dallalmuon Gangte's brilliant free-kick hit the crossbar, and Heeranganba Seram failed to convert the rebound from close range.
This missed chance proved pivotal. Uzbekistan continued to apply pressure, with Sarkar making several impressive saves against Sukhrob Sadirzhonov and Abubakir Rakhimov during a sustained attack.
In the 60th minute, Uzbekistan doubled their lead in unfortunate fashion when Wangkhem Denny Singh accidentally turned Makhmud Muradov's corner into his own net.
Despite the setback, India fought on, but Uzbekistan maintained their dominance and sealed the match in the 78th minute. Akhrorbek Ravshanbekov reacted quickly after his initial shot was blocked and scored the rebound, securing a convincing victory.
This defeat marked the end of India's campaign and another painful near miss in their quest for a first-ever on-merit qualification for the FIFA U17 World Cup.
India U17: Rajrup Sarkar (GK), Shubham Poonia (Abhishek Kumar, 35), Korou Meitei Konthoujam, Moosa Ashiq, Azlaan Shah (Yuvraj Kadam, 46), Raj Singh Wahengbam (Heeranganba Seram, 46), Dallalmuon Gangte (C), Lawmsangzuala, Indra Rana Magar, Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam (Adil Alungal, 81), and Wangkhem Denny Singh (Rahan Ahmed, 62).