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India U17s Edge Myanmar 2-1 in Thrilling Friendly Clash

The India U17 men's national team began their Myanmar tour with a 2-1 victory in a friendly match. Washington Singh Ngangom and Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam scored first-half goals to establish a commanding lead. Myanmar's Myint Myat Ko Ko scored after halftime from a set piece, but India's defense held firm for the win. This match serves as crucial preparation for the upcoming AFC U17 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia.

Key Points: India U17s Beat Myanmar 2-1 in AFC Asian Cup Prep

  • Washington Singh Ngangom opened scoring
  • Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam scored and assisted
  • Myanmar's Myint Myat Ko Ko pulled one back
  • Win aids prep for AFC U17 Asian Cup
2 min read

India U17s defeat hosts Myanmar in first friendly

India's U17 team secured a 2-1 victory over hosts Myanmar in a friendly. Washington Singh Ngangom and Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam scored for the Blue Colts.

"India held on despite the second-half setback, earning their first victory in Myanmar. - AIFF Website"

New Delhi, March 4

The India U17 men's national team defeated Myanmar U17S 2-1 at the Thwunna Stadium in Yangon, Myanmar, on Tuesday, in the first friendly.

Washington Singh Ngangom (11') and Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam (24') put India two goals ahead in the first half. While Myanmar mounted a comeback after half-time with Myint Myat Ko Ko (54') getting on the scoresheet, the Blue Colts held on for the win, as per the AIFF website.

India relied on counterattacks to open up the Myanmar defence for both their goals, with Gunleiba playing a major role on the left wing on both occasions.

In the 11th minute, he broke on the counter down the left before feeding it down the centre to Washington, who only had the goalkeeper to beat. The latter finished off his chance at the near post.

Gunleiba turned from provider to scorer in the 24th minute, when captain Dallalmoun Gangte fed him a through ball that set him free behind the Myanmar defence. Aiming from a rather tight angle, Gunleiba's snapshot nestled into the side-netting to double the Blue Colts' lead.

Myanmar tried to make their way back into the game in the second half and could only reply through a set piece. Captain Ant Htoo Paing swung a long-range free-kick into the Indian box, as Myint headed it in.

India held on despite the second-half setback, earning their first victory in Myanmar, as they prepare for the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026, set to be held later this year.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
A win is a win, but conceding from a set piece is a concern. The defence needs to be more organized for the Asian Cup. Still, proud of the boys for grinding out the result away from home.
V
Vikram M
Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam - remember the name! What a performance, a goal and an assist. The counter-attacking strategy worked perfectly. Let's build on this momentum for Saudi Arabia 2026.
P
Priya S
So happy for the team! Beating the hosts in their own backyard is never easy. The second half was a bit shaky, but they showed character to hold on. Jai Hind!
R
Rohit P
Good result, but we need to be more clinical. We had a 2-0 lead and let them back in. Against stronger Asian teams, we can't afford to sit back. The coaching staff has work to do.
M
Michael C
Impressive win. The link-up play for the second goal sounded excellent. These friendly matches are crucial for development. Hope the AIFF arranges more such tours for exposure.

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