Agencies | Ahmedabad
India’s Blue Colts slipped to a 2–0 defeat against Lebanon in their AFC U-17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026 Qualifier at the EKA Arena in Ahmedabad on Friday.
India started brightly and came close to an early breakthrough when Gunleiba Wangkheirakpham danced past Marc Mansour in the ninth minute, only to see his low effort cannon off the post. That miss proved costly as Lebanon took the lead in the 26th minute, capitalising on India’s failure to clear a corner. The loose ball fell for Antonie Assaf, who curled a precise shot into the top corner.
The Young Cedars doubled their advantage eight minutes before the interval. Abbas Zreik drove into the Indian box and set up Paul Maakaroun, whose deflected strike wrong-footed Rajrup Sarkar.
Bibiano Fernandes’ side pushed after the restart but could not find a way through, with Goa’s Lesvin Rebelo delivering a steady shift as India tried to build attacks. Late frustration culminated in Thonggoumang Touthang’s dismissal for violent conduct in stoppage time, rounding off a difficult outing for India.
The result sees Lebanon move above the Blue Colts in the group standings, while India are now left needing a must win to stay in contention against group toppers Iran.
