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India U17 Men Triumph 4-2 Over FC Spartak Moscow in Friendly Clash

The India U17 men's team secured their first victory on their Turkey tour with a 4-2 win against Russian club side FC Spartak Moscow. Goals from Mukundo Singh Ningthoujam, Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam, Washington Singh Ngangom, and Md Aimaan Bin sealed the result. The team is using these friendlies as preparation for the upcoming AFC U17 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia. India had previously suffered heavy defeats to the Turkey U17 national team in earlier matches.

Key Points: India U17 Beats Spartak Moscow 4-2 in Turkey Friendly

  • First tour victory in Turkey
  • Mukundo Singh Ningthoujam opened scoring
  • Quick goals from Wangkheirakpam & Ngangom
  • Preparation for AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026
2 min read

India U17 men defeat FC Spartak Moscow by 4-2 in friendly

India U17 men's football team secures first tour win, defeating Russian club FC Spartak Moscow 4-2 in a friendly ahead of AFC U17 Asian Cup.

"It was the first win of the tour for the Blue Colts - AIFF Release"

New Delhi, February 16

The India U17 men's team defeated Russian club side FC Spartak Moscow 4-2 in their third friendly match in Turkey at the Fanatic Tour Serik Sport Centre in Antalya, on Sunday, according to a release.

It was the first win of the tour for the Blue Colts, who lost two friendly matches against the Turkey U17 national team (0-1 and 1-6) last week. Bibiano Fernandes' side are using these games to prepare for the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026, which will take place in May. India will take on Uzbekistan, Australia and DPR Korea in Group D, according to the All India Football Federation (AIFF) release.

Sunday's game was played behind closed doors. India took a first-half lead through Mukundo Singh Ningthoujam, who scored in the 31st minute. Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam (57') and Washington Singh Ngangom (61') struck two more in quick succession to widen India's lead. Spartak Moscow pulled one back in the 65th minute. Md Aimaan Bin struck India's fourth and final goal in the 82nd minute before the Russians reduced the deficit in the 86th from the penalty spot.

Earlier, the India U17 men's team lost 1-6 to Turkey in their second friendly match against the hosts in Manavgat, Antalya, on Thursday.

In the match, Turkey took an early lead via Efe Secil, who smashed home a loose ball from a narrow angle inside the box in the seventh minute. After a period of brief resistance by India, the hosts overpowered Bibiano Fernandes' side again and raced to a 5-0 lead by half-time.

Efe Fettahoglu scored from the penalty spot in the 14th minute before Alaettin Ekici netted a quick brace -- converting a first-time shot from 10 yards in the 20th minute and heading in a cross from the right to make it 4-0 in the 28th. Captain Eren Sayar got in on the act and scored the fifth goal in the 30th minute.

India showed some improvement in the second half and pulled a goal back early after the restart. In the 47th minute, Diamond Singh Thokchom picked out Denny Singh Wangkhem just outside the box. The latter curled a stunning effort into the far corner from 20 yards out to bring India on the scoresheet.

Turkey wrapped up the scoring in the 85th minute, with Hasan Tuncel sneaking into the box and slotting home a left-footed shot into the bottom corner.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
This is encouraging news. The 1-6 loss to Turkey was worrying, but showing character to win the next match is key. Hope the coaching staff is working on that defense, conceding two goals even in a win needs attention.
P
Priya S
Wah! Four goals! So many scorers from different parts of the country. It's wonderful to see representation from Manipur and other northeastern states leading the charge for Indian football. Keep it up, boys!
V
Vikram M
Good win, but let's be realistic. A Russian club's youth team is not the ultimate benchmark. The heavy loss to Turkey shows the gap we still have to bridge. The real test is the Asian Cup group with Australia and North Korea. The AIFF must ensure proper preparation.
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David E
Denny Singh Wangkhem's goal in the Turkey match, as described, sounds like an absolute worldie! A 20-yard curler. Sometimes you learn more from a 6-1 loss than a 4-2 win. This exposure in Turkey is exactly what these kids need.
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Ananya R
Heartening to see the fight. Conceded early but kept pushing and scored four. That's the spirit we want. Bibiano Fernandes seems to have a good project going. Hope these players get a clear pathway to the senior team in the coming years.

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