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India U17 Men's Team Suffers Heavy 5-1 Defeat to UAE in Friendly

The Indian U17 men's football team faced a heavy 5-1 defeat against the United Arab Emirates in their second closed-door friendly in Thailand. Dallalmuon Gangte scored a late consolation goal for India in the 89th minute, after the UAE had built a commanding lead. These matches are part of the preparatory campaign for the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026. The Blue Colts have further friendlies scheduled against Qatar and are placed in Group D alongside Australia, Uzbekistan, and DPR Korea for the main tournament.

Key Points: India U17 Loses 5-1 to UAE in AFC Asian Cup Prep Friendly

  • Heavy 5-1 defeat to UAE
  • Gangte scores late consolation goal
  • Preparations for AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026
  • Upcoming friendlies against Qatar
  • Group D matches in Jeddah confirmed
2 min read

Football: India U17 men lose to UAE in second friendly

Indian U17 men's football team lost 5-1 to UAE in a closed-door friendly in Thailand. Read about the match details and upcoming fixtures.

"Dallalmuon Gangte scored for India in the 89th. - Match Report"

New Delhi, April 21

The Indian U17 men's team lost 1-5 to the United Arab Emirates in the second of two closed-door friendlies on Tuesday at the Windmill Football Club in Samut Prakan, Thailand. The United Arab Emirates scored in the third, sixth, 13th, 22nd, and 52nd minutes, before Dallalmuon Gangte scored for India in the 89th.

India had won the first friendly 1-0 last Friday.

The friendlies were part of India and the UAE's preparations for the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026. The Blue Colts will play two more friendlies before the Asian Cup against Qatar on April 25 and 28 in Doha.

India will take on Australia (May 6), Uzbekistan (May 10), and DPR Korea (May 13) in Group D in Jeddah.

The friendlies, part of India and the UAE's preparations for the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026, will be played behind closed doors. Both matches will kick off at 16:30 IST at the Windmill Football Club in Samut Prakan, near Bangkok. The 24-member Blue Colts' squad arrived in Thailand on Wednesday, April 15.

Last month, Bibiano Fernandes' side played three friendlies against Thailand (2-2), Indonesia (3-0 win), and the Republic of Korea (1-2 defeat) in Lopburi, Thailand. Following the games, the Blue Colts continued their training camp in Kolkata.

In the AFC U17 Asian Cup in Jeddah, India will take on Australia (May 6), Uzbekistan (May 10), and DPR Korea (May 13) in Group D.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Conceding 5 goals in under an hour is alarming. The coaching staff needs to analyze what went wrong. On a positive note, at least we got a late consolation goal. These friendlies are for learning, but such a heavy defeat can hurt morale.
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Aman W
It's just a friendly, guys! The point is to experiment and find weaknesses. Better to lose 5-1 now than in the actual tournament. Kudos to Dallalmuon Gangte for scoring. Let's focus on the bigger picture - the Asian Cup. #BlueColts
S
Sarah B
The inconsistency is worrying. Win 1-0 one day, lose 1-5 the next. The group in Jeddah has very tough teams like Australia and Uzbekistan. The team needs to find stability, especially in defense, if they want to compete.
K
Karthik V
This is why we need more exposure tours and regular matches against quality Asian sides. Our youth development is improving, but results like this show the gap. AIFF must ensure these boys get continuous high-level competition. Jai Hind!
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Nikhil C
With all due respect to the team and coach Bibiano, a 5-1 loss is not acceptable at any level of international football, friendly or not. It points to a lack of tactical discipline. Hope they take this as a wake-up call.

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